Part of 2. Questions to the Counsel General and Brexit Minister (in respect of his Brexit Minister responsibilities) – in the Senedd at 2:57 pm on 13 February 2019.
Can I thank the Counsel General for that answer? It's very important that we address the issue of trade. As David Melding highlighted, the evidence from some indicated that there should not be a veto, but in listening to the news that's coming out from the US today—that in fact the US steel producers are encouraging Donald Trump to put a ban on UK steel in any trade deal we do with them, which would have a devastating effect upon the steel industry here in Wales—a trade deal negotiated by London without our involvement could result in implications damaging our Welsh economy, and we'll have to pick the pieces up as a consequence of that.
Do you therefore agree that it is important that this joint ministerial group you're talking about on international trade should actually have teeth within it so that you have to be listened to and not just put in a corner and them thinking they can put you away? It's important the voice of Wales is heard and responded to to ensure that our Welsh economy, our Welsh industries, our Welsh citizens do not suffer as a consequence of a UK deal.