Part of 2. Questions to the Counsel General and Brexit Minister (in respect of his Brexit Minister responsibilities) – in the Senedd at 2:29 pm on 8 May 2019.
The Minister has stated his view about the damage caused to society by spending cuts, and I agree with the substance of his answer, so let's consider the issue of public spending in the context of Brexit. The UK Government impact analysis released last year projected that UK growth would suffer a hit of between 2 and 8 per cent were Brexit to go ahead, depending on the kind of economic deal agreed between the UK and EU. The lower half of this projection is based on continued UK membership of the EU single market, which Welsh Government does not support. So, Welsh Government is in effect advocating a policy that would lead to a deterioration of at least over 2 per cent to growth, probably a lot more. When you add this to the effect on specific sectors within Wales, on businesses that rely on trade with the EU for their profitability, and the knock-on effect tariff- and non-tariff barriers would have on jobs and working conditions, the impact on the Welsh economy would be substantial and severe. Minister, do you agree that leaving the EU would exacerbate the effects of austerity in Wales?