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

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:38 pm on 18 April 2018.

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Photo of Jeremy Miles Jeremy Miles Labour 3:38, 18 April 2018

I share the view that's been expressed by a number of Members that this is a matter that should be resolved at a political level. And just to be clear, that is the Welsh Government's approach; it has continuously and throughout approached the discussions with the other Governments with that in mind. The objective has been throughout to reach an agreement in relation to the Bill going through the UK Parliament, so that the process we have pursued in this place through an emergency process would not end up being necessary. I've said in the past, in response to other questions, that time has been running out for some time in relation to agreeing those amendments. But, as I say, we are hopeful that we will get that over the line and agree amendments that we feel happy as a Government to recommend to the Assembly, with the other two Governments. 

He raises one of the grounds that the Attorney-General has cited, which relates to incompatibility with EU law. As I say, we are currently considering the analysis and we will consider further when we get fuller arguments in due course, although obviously that was one of the grounds that had been contemplated in the discussions in this Chamber and in the Llywydd's analysis in her statement. It seems to me that taking preparatory steps within existing powers for a time for which we are outside the European Union is what we have done in this place, in the same way, I may say, as the House of Commons has done with their Bill.