7. Statement by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services: Brexit — The Risks for the Future of Health and Social Care in Wales

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:47 pm on 26 June 2018.

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Photo of Vaughan Gething Vaughan Gething Labour 5:47, 26 June 2018

I think the key point from the economy Secretary there is that we expect to be involved in any negotiations in devolved areas, and that's the point: we expect to be involved. We expect to have a say with other Governments within the United Kingdom, and it's about developing a maturing relationship here within the United Kingdom as much as anything else.

I would, though, agree—. Look, the point about Liam Fox—when people say, 'You're scaremongering talking about no deal. Of course there'll be a deal', well, actually, he's the Cabinet Minister who was openly talking about the prospect of no deal and the fact that that must be on the table. He's the person who raises the spectre of these deals with other parts of the world that would be wholly unacceptable and damaging to a range of industries here in Wales, and public services, and indeed in our economy. I've also heard comments from not just the President of the United States, but other US officials that he has appointed, on wanting to try and change the nature of the relationship on drug pricing within the United States, and to try and make other people pay more for those commodities.

So, I recognise that there are real risks to other arrangements. I've also set out, in answer to other questions here, about the risks that we face if we are not able to secure tariff-free trade and a proper customs union arrangement.