Decision details

Item started at 16.00

NDM4882 Jane Hutt (Vale of Glamorgan)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Notes the positive contribution made by current and previous European Programmes.

2. Welcomes the role of European funding including the Common Agricultural Policy and European Structural Funds as vital in supporting Wales’ economy.

3. Recognises that playing a full and pro-active role within the EU brings economic, social and cultural benefits aside from those arising from European Programmes.

4. Notes with concern the decision of the UK Government to exercise its veto during discussions in Brussels on 9^th December 2011 and urges the UK Government to work constructively with other Member States to ensure the UK returns to playing a central role within the EU in order to promote the wider interests of Wales and the other constituent parts of the UK in the formulation of policy and administration of European Programmes as well as the further development of European economic, cultural and social policy.

Voting on the motion and amendments under this item was deferred until Voting Time.

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1 - William Graham (South Wales East)

Delete point 1 and replace with:

Regrets that successive Welsh Governments have failed to maximise the potential of EU programmes and that parts of Wales remain amongst the poorest in the European Union.

A vote was taken on Amendment 1:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
16	0	40	56

Amendment 1 was not agreed.

Amendment 2 - Jocelyn Davies (South Wales East)

Delete point 1 and replace with:

Notes the positive contribution made by European Programmes and further recognises the importance of the European market to our economy, with 39.9% of Welsh exports going to EU countries.

A vote was taken on Amendment 2:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
56	0	0	56

Amendment 2 was agreed.

Amendment 3 - Peter Black (South Wales West)

In point 1 after 'Programmes' insert 'but also notes the failure of the Welsh Government to effectively use those programmes to improve Wales’ relative economic prosperity’.

A vote was taken on Amendment 3:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
26	0	30	56

Amendment 3 was not agreed.

Amendment 4 - Jocelyn Davies (South Wales East)

Insert new point after point 2 and renumber:

Calls on the Welsh Government to prioritise Wales’ national interests with regard to discussions on European programmes and European policy.

A vote was taken on Amendment 4:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
56	0	0	56

Amendment 4 was agreed.

Amendment 5 - William Graham (South Wales East)

Delete point 4 and replace with:

4. Welcomes the decision of the UK Government to exercise its veto during discussions in Brussels on 9th December 2011 and supports the UK Government’s commitment to serving the best interests of the people of Wales and Britain in EU funding negotiations.

A vote was taken on Amendment 5:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
11	0	45	56

Amendment 5 was not agreed.

Amendment 6 - Peter Black (South Wales West)

In point 4 delete 'returns to playing' and insert 'plays'.

A vote was taken on Amendment 6:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
28	0	29	57

 

As required by Standing Order 6.20 the Deputy Presiding Officer exercised his casting vote by voting against the amendment.  Therefore, the amendment was not agreed.

Amendment 6 was not agreed.

Amendment 7 - William Graham (South Wales East)

Add new point at end of motion:

Calls on the Welsh Government to engage with the UK Government in a constructive manner to work in the Welsh national interest and to maximise the benefits of EU programmes for Wales.

 

A vote was taken on Amendment 7:

For	Abstain	Against	Total
56	0	0	56

Amendment 7 was agreed.

A vote was taken on the motion as amended:

NDM4882 Jane Hutt (Vale of Glamorgan)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1.Notes the positive contribution made by European Programmes and further recognises the importance of the European market to our economy, with 39.9% of Welsh exports going to EU countries.

2. Welcomes the role of European funding including the Common Agricultural Policy and European Structural Funds as vital in supporting Wales’ economy.

3. Calls on the Welsh Government to prioritise Wales’ national interests with regard to discussions on European programmes and European policy.

4. Recognises that playing a full and pro-active role within the EU brings economic, social and cultural benefits aside from those arising from European Programmes.

5. Notes with concern the decision of the UK Government to exercise its veto during discussions in Brussels on 9^th December 2011 and urges the UK Government to work constructively with other Member States to ensure the UK returns to playing a central role within the EU in order to promote the wider interests of Wales and the other constituent parts of the UK in the formulation of policy and administration of European Programmes as well as the further development of European economic, cultural and social policy.

6. Calls on the Welsh Government to engage with the UK Government in a constructive manner to work in the Welsh national interest and to maximise the benefits of EU programmes for Wales.

 

For	Abstain	Against	Total
45	0	11	56

 

The motion as amended was agreed.