Brexit

Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales – in the Senedd at 2:06 pm on 27 January 2021.

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Photo of Ken Skates Ken Skates Labour 2:06, 27 January 2021

Indeed. Llyr Huws Gruffydd is absolutely right; it makes a very significant contribution to the Welsh economy and, I'd argue as well, to the UK economy as a whole, which is why it's vitally important that the UK Government respond favourably to the letter that I sent just yesterday addressed to Grant Shapps. In that letter, I expressed my very deep concern over the significant bureaucratic pressures that have been placed on businesses and hauliers involved in trade between the UK and the EU, and how it was having a disproportionate impact on Welsh ports, primarily Holyhead, but also Fishguard and Milford Haven. What we are seeing is that there is a significant increase in capacity on certain routes, including from Rosslare port to Europe, where capacity has been increased by over 500 per cent to meet demand. That demonstrates the real risk to Holyhead and other Welsh ports, and that is why we are calling for the UK Government to respond urgently to support our ports. As soon as I receive a response to my correspondence, I'll be sure to share it with Members.