Thank you, Llywydd. May I first of all thank Mick Antoniw and Bethan Sayed for their report on the relationship between Wales and the Committee of the Regions? And may I congratulate Delyth Jewell on her appointment as spokesperson for Plaid Cymru on international relations?

Now, I have been aware of the work of this committee over a lengthy period of time, and I think it’s a European institution that represents a unique voice of regions, nations such as Wales, and local authorities across the European Union, and I do appreciate the commitment that our Members are giving in representing Wales there.

Since the result of the referendum, the Welsh Government has been clear that although Wales may leave the European Union, we are not leaving Europe, and, therefore, it makes sense for us to develop ongoing relations with the relevant organisations and institutions within the European Union, as well as networks and relations with other regions, so that we don’t lose that successful collaboration, as we’ve heard from so many speakers, which has developed over the years.

Now, in the past, these relationships have proved to be valuable and have enabled us to have an influence on the development of policy at a European level, but also to learn from other regions in order to help to improve our own policies here in Wales. It’s clear that formal membership of the UK of the Committee of the Regions will cease once the UK withdraws from the European Union, and this is true if we succeed to reach an agreement or if we leave with no deal.

The Welsh Government is of the view that it makes sense to look at what opportunities exist to nurture an ongoing relationship between the UK and the Committee of the Regions, and I’m aware that our representatives have been active in negotiations on establishing this commission jointly between the Committee of the Regions and the UK during any transition period that may follow a deal.

If such a structure were to be developed, of course, this would have to be agreed by the Committee of the Regions, but I would be very eager to ensure devolved representation in the UK delegation and I would expect that the three devolved administrations should be in place to nominate one representative to that committee. We also agree that there is room to further look at a proposal to create an ongoing political forum for the north-west of Europe following any agreement, and that should include representatives from each of the devolved bodies.