Part of 1. 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 2:05 pm on 9 May 2017.
Yes, I do. Even though trade, of course, per se, is not devolved, it’s hugely important that we have a strong voice, because we may be called on to implement the results of any trade agreement, even though we might virulently oppose any particular part of a trade agreement. That is hugely important. So, for example, if there were to be a free trade agreement with New Zealand or Australia, that would have a massive impact on our farmers. Even though that’s not devolved, I’m sure nobody would argue rationally that somehow we have no locus in putting forward a view in that regard. We heard voices from Australia over the last few weeks saying that it was not possible to have a free trade agreement with Australia and protect the interests of Welsh hill farmers. Well, that I know, because if we have a free trade agreement in terms of agriculture, then, for many of our Welsh hill farmers, they will have no future. It is hugely important that the Welsh Government and this Assembly are able to express a very strong view and influence, and reject, actually, parts of trade agreements that will have a hugely adverse impact on our own farmers.