The Bevan Foundation published a report in 2016, after the EU referendum, called 'Wales After Brexit: An Agenda for a Fair, Prosperous and Sustainable Country'. I was particularly struck by the opening message, relevant to the debate today:

'Nobody knows what the future holds—the optimistic and pessimistic forecasts are all based on assumptions that may or may not be realised.... How our leaders respond in these extraordinary times will be critical.'

So, I do welcome the Member's legislative proposal debate, initiated by Steffan Lewis today, and I wish to start by thanking Steffan for his robust and constructive scrutiny in the External Affairs and Additional Legislation Committee of all things relating to Brexit. Having recently joined the committee, I've looked to Steffan for his extensive knowledge base, as well as attention to detail, guided as well, of course, by the Chair, David Rees. Steffan has been resolute in addressing the issues and impact of Brexit on Wales, and we've every reason to respect and support his motion today and thank Steffan for raising a question, for example, of the First Minister last week welcoming the £50 million transition funding announcement. I do see that as an example of the way the Welsh Government has shown leadership and grasped its responsibilities, which, of course, started with 'Securing Wales' Future', in partnership with Plaid Cymru, with six key objectives, which have stood the test of time since it was published.

It's against these objectives that further work has been undertaken by the Welsh Government, most recently with the paper, 'Regional Investment in Wales', providing a clear way forward for Welsh Government to exercise its responsibilities, with a call on the Welsh Government to make good on promises in the EU referendum—part of the objectives, of course, of 'Securing Wales' Future'—to ensure that Wales is not a penny worse off as we leave the EU. The plan provides the framework for utilising replacement regional funding across public, private and third sectors.

So, this does demonstrate the commitment of the Welsh Government to be constructive and responsible in terms of negotiations with the UK Government, but unwavering in its commitment to safeguard the devolution settlement. The UK Government's negative response to amendments from not only the committee but both Welsh and Scottish Governments to the EU withdrawal Bill—a naked power grab, as Steffan Lewis has described—provides no certainty that the UK Government will respect our constitutional settlement or the constructive approaches that we have made as a legislature, and the Government have made.

So, the First Minister's statement yesterday, and your motion today, Steffan Lewis, provide more than a warning to the UK Government of our position. I want to finish by referring to just one of the six objectives in 'Securing Wales' Future', which puts into context what's at risk. And, of course, Simon Thomas refers to the environmental protections. I would also, finally, like to say guaranteeing EU rights for working people, including—just one example—equal treatment of part- and full-time workers.

So, I'm glad that the Welsh Government has prepared a continuity Bill. I thank Steffan Lewis for giving us the opportunity to consider its importance today. It needs to be debated, it needs to be supported, and you have my support.