Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:27 pm on 7 November 2018.
Diolch, Llywydd. Can I thank Members for their contribution to today's debate? I think it's perhaps the first time we've got a joint report coming before the Assembly of committees in this Assembly. It also shows, perhaps, the way in which we're working is evolving as we move on. Can I also put on record both committee's thanks to their staff, the committee clerks and their teams, and the witnesses who came forward? Without those, it would make our job very much more difficult.
These findings are crucial for us, and Brexit has just perhaps highlighted something. I have a couple of points from what the Members spoke about. David Melding, on the charter of fundamental rights, I want to highlight the fact that it isn't law, I agree, but it's within the framework of the European law, and therefore it exists within that framework. As we leave the EU, that European law framework in which it operates disappears. Therefore, the rights that were in there are not necessarily protected by law within the UK because we don't have the same European laws. That is the issue we are trying to highlight. That's why our committee in particular was pleased to see that reference in the law derived from the EU Bill to ensure that Welsh Government would continue, as part of its continuity Bill—. But, of course, it was not continued in the EU withdrawal Bill—Act, as it is now. The Lords put it in as an amendment, but it was defeated in the Commons in the ping-pong section. But it is important that we have it because there are rights we need to protect, rights we've all benefited from. I think what's important is that no-one anticipates those rights to be eroded within day one of leaving the EU, but without legislation to underpin those rights, we're leaving ourselves open to opportunity in years down the line for other Governments to come in and undermine those rights. That's what the issue was about—ensuring that legislation is there.
I totally agree with you that the future of regional investment is a concern that's shared by all across this Chamber—we've often heard that—and shared governance is one—. We need to look at how we're going to manage that, and that comes with the shared prosperity fund. This isn't about the shared prosperity fund, but it highlights examples and concerns we currently have as to how we manage that fund and how we ensure the priorities for Wales will be delivered by the Welsh Assembly and the Welsh Government and not dictated to us by Westminster—something Brexiteers seem to want to do—to reflect the same arguments about Brussels.
Leanne highlighted that rights are under threat, and that's why we identified it. They are under threat unless they are underpinned by law. And you highlighted some, perhaps, right-wing people who have that view that leaving, Brexit, is an opportunity. The reality is there are people in positions who have that view. That's the reality. And what we wanted to ensure was, as the EU took the opportunity to put legislation in place to protect people, that we also do the same here in the UK once we leave the EU, so the laws are there to protect the rights of individuals. Whether we get a Welsh Bill of human rights—I'm sure that might be something she'll be putting forward as a Member's, backbencher's, Bill.
Jane highlighted, again, the socioeconomic duty, and that's crucial here. Now, I've read the letters from the First Minister clearly saying that the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 is going to cover everything, and I understand the leader of the house's comments about ensuring that they work together, they knit together, they knit well. I totally understand that, but I think it's crucial. We have the powers to do this—let's just do it. Let's not make sure we're 10 months, two years, three years, maybe an Assembly down the road before we do that. Now is the time to take the opportunity. I appreciate you saying you've got research going into that. You didn't indicate a timescale; you said you'd come back to us as soon as possible. Timescales would be great if we knew—six months; some kind of time factor.