6. Equalities and Brexit — Joint findings by the Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee and the External Affairs and Additional Legislation Committee

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:31 pm on 7 November 2018.

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Photo of David Rees David Rees Labour 5:31, 7 November 2018

February. Thank you. That's good, because at least we've got a—. We now have an indication it's actually before we leave the EU. That's very important for us. 

Jane also highlighted that it's important that rights come to the fore, and particularly that we note the rights that come to the fore during the transition period, if there is one, because we'll be operating under those until we end that transition period. How do we ensure those are also within UK law and protected when we leave that transition period? So, it's a critical aspect; we intend to look at that. 

Leader of the house, you talked about the lockstep. I very much appreciate that. You talked about Welsh legislation. It is important that we don't simply keep on saying, 'We've got this unique Bill, the well-being of future generations Act, which delivers on this.' We can do more, and we should do more, with the powers we have.

Llywydd, the decision to leave the European Union will have profound constitutional, legal and political ramifications for the people of Wales in the years to come. There's no question about that. I hope that, in shining a light on the human rights and equalities issue, which was something people didn't want to talk about very much during the last two years, the two committees have actually reminded people that Wales has a proud history of leading the way in these fields, and our aim is to ensure that proud history continues. We need certainty that those rights will continue to apply in Wales after Brexit. We need to ensure that non-regression occurs so we do not see any erosion of those rights. And, looking ahead, we'll continue to keep an eye on this, we'll continue to keep an eye on what happens, hopefully, during transition, and I commend this joint report to the National Assembly for Wales.