2. Will the Counsel General provide an update on Welsh Government plans for Holyhead port in the event of a no-deal Brexit? OAQ53392

In his oral statement of 22 January, the Minister for Economy and Transport detailed our contingency plans for heavy goods vehicles delayed in Holyhead. Welsh Government officials have identified more than one option, and are in discussions with the Roadking truck stop facility, which we are confident will have a positive outcome.

Thank you for that answer, and I hope you get well soon.

HMRC has now announced transitional plans, which will be in place for a year, where EU goods will be treated as they are now, to minimise disruption in the event of a 'no deal'. What support will the Welsh Government be providing to the port, and how will that be communicated with businesses?

Well, there are very well established discussions with the port operators and with HMRC, the UK Government and local government, in particular. The Welsh Government recognises the risks around delays to the port in Holyhead. Regardless of the decisions that the UK Government is taking, the Irish Government, as part of the EU, will be imposing the full suite of EU law on traffic through the Irish ports. There have been extensive discussions, as I mentioned, to ascertain—should there be a need for HGV vehicles to be located outside the port, for suitable locations to be identified in relation to that, and those discussions are ongoing.

In his 13 January letter to the First Minister, the Secretary of State for Wales invited the First Minister to attend meetings of the new EU exit preparedness committee, chaired by the Prime Minister, when relevant issues to Wales were on the agenda. They also stated: 'I have asked officials to share with you the experiences around the recent exercises in Kent, and similarly it would be helpful if you were able to share your conclusions around work in Holyhead and the Pembrokeshire ports.' What response, if any, therefore, has the First Minister, or yourself on his behalf, made in response to that request?

A response has gone to the Secretary of State for Wales, indicating that most of the issues on which an invitation has been extended to the Welsh Government relate to where matters have been devolved to Wales. Obviously, there isn't an equivalent in terms of the work we do here, because we don't deal with reserved matters here, but I know the First Minister has also indicated that he has asked officials to share information on certain projects with the Secretary of State for Wales.

Thank you very much. I’ve been on the HMRC website today, looking at what would happen in terms of customs arrangements if the UK leaves the European Union without a deal. It’s incredibly complex. It starts by explaining that simplified customs procedures are what is set out. There is nothing simple about this, and, of course, there’s a way of keeping it simple, and that’s to remain within the customs union and the single market. But what steps will the Welsh Government take in a 'no deal' scenario to collaborate with HMRC to ensure that the port of Holyhead doesn’t come to a stop?

Well, the Member emphasises a very important element, namely that whatever can be done in a 'no deal' situation, the problems in that context would mean that—. We don’t have the relevant actions available to ensure that doesn't happen. Discussions are taking place, as I say, with the UK Government and HMRC on this, based on the modelling of various scenarios and ensuring that steps are taken generally to deal with that situation as best we can. I should say that collaboration with the UK Government in this field has improved over the recent period.