3. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:09 pm on 26 May 2021.

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Photo of Lesley Griffiths Lesley Griffiths Labour 3:09, 26 May 2021

Thank you. At this point, we don't know the exact details of the UK Government's offer to Australia. Like you, I've read lots of speculation in the press, but, certainly, Welsh Government officials from within my own portfolio and within the economy portfolio have been working very closely with the UK Government to make very clear our views that everything has to be done to support our agriculture sector, and that includes the quotas and the tariffs for agriculture. I met with the National Farmers Union last week, along with Vaughan Gething, the Minister for Economy, to hear what they were saying, because clearly they have very strong views on it also. I think we need to continue to have those discussions with the UK Government. Our officials are also meeting regularly with the Department for International Trade as well as the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs officials as well. I think we need to be kept up to date, but certainly we are not privy to a lot of the information that I've, unfortunately, read in the press.

The negotiations with Australia are continuing. I also read that, I think it's Liz Truss, the international trade Secretary hopes to finish them by next month, so some sort of conclusion needs to come. But until we know the exact details we are just continuing to work very closely, and I am certainly seeking to have some information from the DEFRA Secretary of State as a matter of urgency.

In relation to your second point, on off-roading, I will ensure that the Minister has heard what you said, because I think it's really important that agencies do work together, but I will ask her to write to the Member.