Llywydd, over the course of the last 12 months, through the efforts here of the Executive and the legislature, we have introduced, considered and passed an unprecedented volume of legislation, including more than 150 statutory instruments needed to correct the statute book against the possibility that the UK would have left the European Union by 29 March this year. It required a huge amount of effort on behalf of the Welsh Government, the Assembly Commission and Assembly Members to complete this programme of work on time, and I want to put on record my thanks to the very many officials, Members and committees that have made that possible.

Should we leave the European Union, we will acquire thousands of new powers and functions in policy areas that were previously set by EU laws. And that means, Llywydd, that the impact of leaving the European Union on our legislative programme is not yet over. The ongoing question about the manner of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU means no-one can predict with any certainty what the autumn will bring and whether and what sort of additional legislation may be needed. We have, however, been able to assess whether we are now in a position to bring forward a Welsh agriculture Bill and an environmental principles and governance Bill in this term, in the event the UK leaves the European Union.

We have consulted on environmental principles and governance in the context of Brexit. We remain committed to legislate to address the principles and governance gaps that will arise in the event that the UK leaves the European Union. However, this remains a complex matter and we are in ongoing dialogue with other administrations across the United Kingdom about how we can work collaboratively to achieve a coherent approach and we will continue to report to the National Assembly as the developing picture becomes clearer.