The Port of Holyhead

Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 2:12 pm on 13 February 2018.

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Photo of Rhun ap Iorwerth Rhun ap Iorwerth Plaid Cymru 2:12, 13 February 2018

(Translated)

Thanks for that response. It’s worth reminding people that trade through the port of Holyhead increased by almost 700 per cent since the inception of the single market. We cannot afford to see Wales and the port of Holyhead being excluded from the customs union and not part of the single market. I am concerned about the implications of tariffs for trade. New routes would be developed, without doubt, between Ireland and mainland Europe. There is no room physically in the port of Holyhead to deal with the checks on trucks and lorries and so on. Now, unlike the leader of your party, Jeremy Corbyn, I am pleased to hear you saying that you believe in remaining in the customs union and the single market, but what are you willing to do about that? How far are you willing to push this? Sub-state Parliaments in other parts of Europe can have a real influence—a veto, even, in some circumstances—over decisions taken by the state. So, how far would you want to see the influence of Wales going in terms of deciding on our voice and the powers of Wales once we’ve left the European Union?