Before turning to the detail of the White Paper, I’d like to say a few words about the general political context and how we treat each other as citizens, having gone through a binary campaign such as last year’s referendum. At times, the tone of the general debate has been appalling, and even violent at times. It’s right in a democratic society that we have proper debate, but we should never stop respecting differences of opinion and treating each other kindly, even, and with respect, and politicians should perhaps show an example in this regard.

But, turning to the White Paper, for Plaid Cymru, our response to the result of the referendum is based on consistent principles, and I’m pleased that these are reflected in the Welsh national White Paper. First of all, whilst there is a mandate to leave the European Union, there is no mandate to leave the single market, and the economic interests of Wales, including agriculture and industry, should be safeguarded as well as funding for our poorest communities. Secondly, there is certainly no mandate to step back from devolution. Thirdly, Wales should have a clear role in negotiations with the European Union. Fourthly, Wales should regenerate its international profile in order to ensure that we as a nation are not seen as being isolationist. Fifthly, young people in Wales shouldn’t lose the opportunities that they currently have in terms of having an experience of life abroad or studying abroad. And, finally, there should be no human cost to leaving the European Union, either through losing workers’ rights in Wales or losing environmental standards or rights for citizens from other European nations who currently live here to remain here.

I am pleased that these principles have all been interwoven into the national Welsh White Paper and are clearly set out. It’s a pity that the Westminster White Paper is little more than a series of descriptions of the problems, rather than offering solutions to those problems. But, in terms of the next steps, what is crucially important now is that the Welsh Government doesn’t decide to sit back and watch developments happening around them. They must take a decision to shape the future, rather than waiting for the future to shape them.

The White Paper includes goals that the Welsh Government can take action on immediately without having to wait for any other Government. For example, the Welsh Government could announce a new international policy to promote Wales on the global level, and they can do that now. The Welsh Government can start a process to seek membership of international organisations dealing with issues that are expected to be transferred from the European Union to Wales. The Welsh Government can state its intention to seek a new official partnership with the Republic of Ireland in order to ensure collaboration for the future. The Welsh Government can propose a constitutional convention and invite the Governments of these isles to participate, particularly on the issue of the British single market and its future outside the European Union. The Welsh Government could start a consultation on a new regional policy for Wales, and the Government can do this now. The Welsh Government can reveal a new framework for the future of our agricultural communities.

My appeal is that we should do everything we can to make Wales resilient by taking the reins ourselves. Such an approach would not only benefit our economy and our nation, but it would also be a valuable approach in bringing our nation back together following a period of very damaging splits.