6. Statement by the Minister for Economy: Border Controls

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:58 pm on 28 June 2022.

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Photo of Rhun ap Iorwerth Rhun ap Iorwerth Plaid Cymru 4:58, 28 June 2022

I thank the Minister for the statement. I know he shares my frustration about the way this has been handled, the seeming indecision of UK Government about these elements of border control and the implications of that, of course, for Welsh Government, for local government and also for the community of Holyhead. It's with regret again that we hear of what appears to be more lack of fundamental respect when it comes to responding in a timely manner to requests for meetings that are so crucial in order to promote the kind of co-operation that is vital at difficult times like this.

Just two short questions, one on the question of cost; I think it's important to keep a public tally of costs. What additional resource will need to be put into pressing ahead with the design stage of the Holyhead facility, and could the Minister confirm if that's in addition to the £6 million that has already been earmarked or spent? Of course, that's money that we need to see being reimbursed by the UK Government.

And secondly, a local issue about port infrastructure. Of course, the development of the UK Government element of the border control post took away the HGV park. The delay in pressing ahead with the Welsh Government border control post means that site is being used as a temporary lorry park. There are implications now that you are looking to press ahead with that. Is there going to be an acceleration of plans to look for alternative long-term HGV parking facilities, given that this plot 9 is back in play, as it were, as a border control post?