NNDM6289 Debate: The Implications for Wales of leaving the European Union

NNDM6289 Jane Hutt (Vale of Glamorgan)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Reiterates its strong support for the Welsh Government – Plaid Cymru White Paper, "Securing Wales Future" ­­ as a credible and comprehensive approach to protecting and promoting Wales' interests as the UK leaves the European Union.

2. Takes note of the letter sent by the Prime Minister on 29 March 2017 in accordance with Article 50 of the Treaty of European Union, and the draft negotiating mandate published by the President of the European Council in response.

3. Further notes the UK Government's White Paper "Legislating for the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union", published on 30 March 2017, setting out its proposals for legislation to give effect to the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union but believes the analysis of the inter-relationship between the current powers of the EU and the devolution settlement is deeply flawed.

4. Reiterates that constitutional and governmental structures following the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union must be based on full respect for the devolution settlement, and improved arrangements for the conduct of  inter-governmental relations based on mutual respect and parity of esteem between the four governments in the UK.

5. Further reiterates in the strongest terms that any frameworks relating to policy areas that are devolved that may be needed to ensure the smooth functioning of the UK market must be agreed by consensus between the UK Government and all three Devolved Administrations and be subject to independent dispute resolution mechanisms. The starting point for such common approaches and frameworks must be through agreement and consensus.

6. Supports the Welsh Government in continuing to press the UK Government for direct participation in the negotiations on the UK's withdrawal from, and future trading and other relations with, the European Union, to ensure protection of distinctive Welsh interests.

7. Reaffirms its view that there should be no financial disadvantage to Wales arising from the UK's exit from the European Union, and calls on the UK Government to make a full and public commitment to that effect.

8. Notes the Welsh Government's commitment to report regularly to the Assembly on progress in relation to these matters

Supporting Documents

• Securing Wales' Future
• Prime Minister's letter triggering Article 50
• EU Draft Guidelines for Brexit Negotiations
• Legislating for the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union