(Title Image: BBC)
Enough changes and assurances have been given to the Welsh Government for them to recommend the Senedd grants its consent to the Healthcare Bill Legislative Consent Motion (LCM).
The Healthcare (International Arrangements) Bill – a UK Parliament law – will set out how reciprocal healthcare arrangements will work between the UK and EU after Brexit. As it covers devolved policies (health) parts of the Bill require the Senedd’s approval.
As recently as January 22nd, the Health Minister, Vaughan Gething (Lab, Cardiff S. & Penarth), and the Senedd’s Health Committee recommended the Senedd withhold its consent. However, in a revised explanatory memorandum (pdf), the Health Minister now believes enough has been done to change his mind.
One of the main changes is that the English Health Minister will have to consult with the devolved administrations before making any regulations under the Bill. A Memorandum of Understanding was also signed on 20th February, which will mean the devolved administrations will be consulted on any long-term reciprocal healthcare agreement.
A vote on the LCM is due to take place on 12th March 2019.
