NDM8804 Plaid Cymru Debate - Brexit and the future relationship with the EU

NDM8804 Heledd Fychan (South Wales Central)

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Notes that 31 January 2025 will mark five years since the United Kingdom formally left the European Union.

2. Regrets:

a) that according to the Economic Cost of Brexit project, the hard Brexit pursued by the previous UK Government has cost the Welsh economy up to £4 billion;

b) that Brexit has reduced the value of Welsh exports by up to £1.1 billion, and that post-Brexit trade deals have been particularly unfavourable for Welsh agriculture and manufacturing;

c) the further loss to Wales of up to £1 billion in European structural and rural development funding as a result of Brexit;

d) the opportunities to work, travel, study and live in Europe that have been lost to people in Wales as a result of Brexit, particularly young people;

e) that the current UK Government has failed to address the issues caused by Brexit for Wales and the wider UK, and has signalled its opposition to rejoining the single market and customs union; and

f) the repeal of the Law Derived from the EU (Wales) Act 2018.

3. Calls on the Welsh Government to:

a) introduce new legislation to facilitate dynamic alignment between Welsh and EU law;

b) develop and adopt a comprehensive European strategy; and

c) urge the UK Government to seek to rejoin the EU’s single market and customs union. 

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1 Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

Delete all and replace with: 

1. Notes that the people of Wales voted to leave the European Union in the referendum held on the 23 June 2016.

2. Believes that the outcome of referendums should be respected and implemented.

3. Further notes that the 31 January 2025 will mark five years since the United Kingdom formally left the European Union.

If amendment 1 is agreed, amendment 2 will be de-selected.

Amendment 2 Jane Hutt (Vale of Glamorgan)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Welcomes the reset of relations with the European Union under the new UK Government and notes that the hard Brexit negotiated under the previous UK Government has been detrimental to Wales, its people and the UK.

2. Notes that the Welsh Government is working to ensure that the damage caused to Wales by the UK leaving the EU in the way it did is successfully addressed.

3. Further notes that the Welsh Government is effectively strengthening links with European partners through the continuation of our Brussels office, and the appointment of the WG Representative on Europe; has worked with ministers and senior officials from a range of EU regions, plus Québec, to discuss strengthened interregional cooperation in the Atlantic area; and through the Taith programme has demonstrated its continued commitment to youth mobility.

4. Looks forward to further improved relations with the European Union.