The UK's Departure from the EU

Part of 2. Questions to the Counsel General and Brexit Minister – in the Senedd at 2:48 pm on 16 January 2019.

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Photo of Jeremy Miles Jeremy Miles Labour 2:48, 16 January 2019

Well, of course, one of the issues is how rules are interpreted, and they often have more latitude than appears to be the case at first blush. So, the challenge is to ensure that as we—. Our view is that the best position for the Welsh economy is broad regulatory alignment with the European Union, but there is scope within that to seek the most flexible interpretation of rules that is permissible. I would say that, in terms of other opportunities from the departure from the EU, one of the issues that we are considering at the moment is how we can better integrate regional investment funding with other Government spending. That requires a commitment from the UK Government to ensure that we are no worse off in terms of regional investment funding, and the opportunities and the rules and priorities for those should be set here in Wales. That would provide us with a base for us to be able to integrate those schemes in future. And I hope, since he's looking for opportunities, that he will join me in calling for those principles to be upheld.