5. 3. Statement: EU Transition

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:09 pm on 13 September 2016.

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Photo of Adam Price Adam Price Plaid Cymru 4:09, 13 September 2016

I was hoping that the position of the Welsh Government would be clarified, but I’m more confused than ever now. The First Minister seemed to be adopting the policy of UKIP wholesale, leapfrogging the Conservatives and coming out in favour of a free trade agreement, because membership of the European Economic Area would require freedom of movement. That doesn’t sound like leadership; that sounds like capitulation to me. So, if I’m wrong, maybe the First Minister can actually put the record straight.

Specifically on the four-nation approach, is he ruling out the possibility of an asymmetric Brexit, if you like? We heard for many years of opt-outs from European rules. Could we have a position where, if the national interest of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland was different, that we had opt-ins to environmental regulations, to workers’ rights, and a different relationship with the European institutions than possibly might be chosen for England? And finally, in order to allow a full and free-ranging debate, where those divergent national interests can be expressed in the run-up to article 50 being triggered, but also most importantly in the negotiations thereafter, is it now time to revise the concordat on EU matters between the devolved legislatures and the UK Government so that, actually, those different opinions can be expressed publicly but also in discussions with EU institutions?