4. Statement by the Counsel General: Law Derived from the European Union (Wales) Bill

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:42 pm on 18 April 2018.

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Photo of Jeremy Miles Jeremy Miles Labour 3:42, 18 April 2018

I thank the Member for his question and also for his acknowledgement of the work of my friend the Cabinet Secretary for Finance in taking forward the discussions with the UK Government, which I completely associate myself with, if I may. He makes a very important point about the importance of defending these proceedings vigorously and that is absolutely my intention and the intention of the Welsh Government.

In terms of what happens in due course with repeal, if you like, the Member will recall that the Bill, as passed by the Assembly, includes a provision enabling the Act, when passed, to be repealed in this sort of circumstance. In order for that to happen, of course, it would need to receive Royal Assent first. So, there would be a sequence of steps, if you like, which would need to be agreed with the Attorney-General in the event that we here in due course do pass a legislative consent motion and that we find the amendments to the House of Commons Bill acceptable in this place. But obviously, the steps would need to be to withdraw the reference for the Bill to go to Royal Assent and then those powers would be available to Welsh Ministers here to deal with that repeal of the Bill.