Carwyn calls for meeting with May
FIRST Minister Carwyn Jones and his Scottish counterpart Nicola Sturgeon have told Theresa May they want to meet urgently to discuss her Brexit agreement.
The two leaders have sent a joint letter criticising the “chaotic approach” of the UK Government to Brexit.
They tell her they want to see input from the devolved administrations and that it is “essential” they are involved in negotiations.
The pair have asked for an urgent meeting of the Joint Ministerial Committee to discuss the details of the draft agreement.
Both had criticised Mrs May for holding a cabinet vote before speaking to them.
Ms Sturgeon said she had asked for information from Mrs May before Cabinet made their decision but that was refused.
“The ‘respect’ agenda in action,” she tweeted.
Mr Jones said he “understood” why the decision had been taken but said it was disappointing.
He said: “I can understand why they don’t do that as they’re trying to keep it as tight as they can, but I think the time for a call to us would have been after she had spoken to her own Cabinet ministers. I can understand her wanting to tell them first, but the time to have a call with us would have been before the Cabinet meeting.
“I think that would have been a lot easier. Otherwise hares start running.”
Both leaders were called by Mrs May late on Wednesday evening, after she had secured the backing of her Cabinet.
In the letter, they write: “The UK Government’s handling of the deal reached is symptomatic of the chaotic approach to the negotiations and the lack of any meaningful engagement with the devolved administrations...
“We are calling for a meeting of the Joint Ministerial Committee to enable us to discuss the details of the Withdrawal Agreement and to input into the political declaration before this is finalised.
“Given the future relationship will cover a number of matters within our devolved competence and crucial matters that will impact on the citizens of Wales and Scotland, it is essential we are involved.”