QNR – in the Senedd on 12 June 2019.
If the proposals in the UK Government’s immigration White Paper are implemented, our research shows that there would be a reduction in EU migration resulting in a 1 per cent to 1.5 per cent drop in GDP over 10 years. All the economic evidence suggests free movement within the EU has benefited the Welsh economy.
The future of mutual recognition of professional qualifications and immigration controls is still unclear. However, officials are discussing with health boards, Health Education and Improvement Wales and UK counterparts how to address any recruitment and retention issues that currently exist or may arise after leaving the EU.
I continue to take every opportunity to ensure Wales’s voice is heard. Last month, I met with the Secretary of State for Existing the EU and attended a meeting of the Joint Ministerial Committee on EU negotiations. A future meeting of that committee is scheduled for later this month.
I have regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on Wales’s future relationship with the EU and wider Brexit-related matters. Those discussions take place at weekly Cabinet meetings and in the Cabinet sub-committee on European transition.