3. What steps is the Welsh Government taking to prepare for a people's vote on the UK's exit from the EU? OAQ53799

I thank the Member for the question. As I said last week, we have called on the UK Government, whose responsibility this is, to prepare for a potential referendum if it is to break the logjam. The First Minister has also written to the Permanent Secretary to ask what the Welsh Government could do to facilitate this.

In the past, Plaid Cymru and Labour have worked hand-in-hand. That is how we have won referenda in the past. Given recent developments, are you and the Welsh Government willing to put party politics to one side so that we can work together once again—work together in order to push the UK Government to hold a referendum in order to give the final word to the people? We are willing to work with you on this issue. Are you willing to work with us?

I’m grateful to the Member for being clear that there is a desire to co-operate. I agree with her that co-operating on 'Securing Wales' Future' has been something that was very important in showing the way forward in that context. It appears now that the policy of your party has changed in that context. From our perspective, if that’s possible, that can help us to solve the problem. But if not, there will be a need for a referendum to do so.

As I said to the Member in my response to the earlier question, it’s also important, in terms of the time that’s left, that specific steps are taken to ensure that this is an option—that the question of a referendum is an option—if there’s a need for this. In terms of co-operation, as a party we’re always very happy and see a value in co-operation.

Last week, Labour's ruling body rejected calls for the party to commit to a second EU referendum, with some senior Labour figures counselling that the alternative would have forfeited leave-supporting Labour areas, but with others having since quit the Labour Party because of Mr Corbyn's failure to support a second referendum—a situation, may I say, that other parties may be familiar with also in reverse. How, therefore, do you respond to those who are saying that the EU elections, which we now know are going ahead on 23 May, will in effect be a second referendum?

I thank you for pointing out the discussions leading to the decisions of the national executive committee in my party. You mentioned differences of opinions there—I think that's pretty bold, given the disarray of the Conservative Government at any opportunity in Parliament over the last few weeks and months to maintain any semblance of unity in relation to all of these fundamental questions.

We will be engaging in these elections, reminding people of the benefits that membership of the European Union has had for Wales. I think the lesson for us here is that we should all, in this place, recognise the value that Wales has derived from membership of the European Union, reflecting the answers I gave a moment ago. I think any relationship with the European Union short of that is less good for Wales than membership. I think we will take the opportunity, in the coming weeks, of reminding people of the advantages that we have had as members of the European Union.