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- Welsh Government “would take any deal over a No Deal” as crucial Brexit talks continue.
- Arguments continue over whether the Welsh Government are attempting to frustrate the Brexit process.
- Stockpiling of medical devices and consumables continues behind the scenes.
What was once the most important issue facing Wales, seemingly debated every other week, has now been reduced to a minor item on the Senedd’s plenary schedule.
With no breakthrough yet in talks aiming to secure a long-term deal with the EU ahead of the end of the Brexit transition period in two weeks time, the Senedd was updated – as well as they could be given the uncertainty – on the Welsh Government’s position.
Counsel General & Brexit Minister, Jeremy Miles (Lab, Neath), said a deal – however thin – was the least-worst outcome. The UK Government has to accept that any trade deal requires limits on sovereignty, while the EU needs to show similar flexibility.
Plans for a “No Deal” are in place and work on that continues. The priorities in the event of a “No Deal” include preventing disruption to the supply of critical goods (medical devices and consumables are being stockpiled), supporting businesses through the process of losing access to the single market and preparing the public and public services for that eventuality.
Although Brexit has already happened – and there was little the Welsh Government could do to affect the outcome – Shadow Brexit Minister, Darren Millar MS (Con, Clwyd West), still believed the Welsh Government were trying to frustrate the Brexit process. It was disappointed to hear the Welsh Government is prepared to accept any deal when it’s impossible to get a good deal unless you’re willing to walk away.
Darren Millar contested that the “oven-ready deal” often spoken about refers to the Withdrawal Agreement at the start of the year, not a final UK-EU deal.
Dr Dai Lloyd MS (Plaid, South Wales West) asked several questions relating to medical supplies. Some medicines were impossible to stockpile because of their short shelf life. The Counsel General confirmed that the UK Government are responsible for medicine imports and that if there are any problems at the border from January, then short shelf life and urgent items will be airlifted in.
In response to questions from other members, the Counsel General called for clarity to be given to businesses so they can prepare for the red tape which will come with customs and possible tariffs.
