FIRST minister Carwyn Jones has outlined his vision of a post-Brexit Wales.
Speaking in the Senedd on today Mr Jones reiterated his previous comments that Wales must continue to have full access to the free market once the UK leaves the European Union.
“While many large questions remain unanswered, it is possible to see more clearly some of the challenges that must now be faced both by the Welsh Government and the United Kingdom as a whole,” he said.
The first minister also conceded, while he had supported the Remain campaign ahead of June’s referendum, the result had to be respected.
“The EU referendum campaign was divisive, and the result traumatic for some,” he said.
“But the result cannot and should not be ignored, as I have acknowledged from day one.
“The Welsh Government is tasked with leading Wales’ interests as negotiations unfold.
“But we are talking about the long term future of our country and the issues raised go far beyond the interests of any particular government and any particular political party.
“I hope that in the months and years ahead we will have an inclusive and wide debate about how best to protect Wales’ interests and what kind of country we want Wales to be.”
But Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood called campaigning for the funding Wales currently receives from the EU to be maintained “just not good enough”.
“The terms upon which we leave the European Union will define the future of the Welsh economy and indeed all of Welsh politics,” she said.
“You’ve said that Wales should have a veto if the Brexit deal isn’t a good one for Wales.
“It’s one thing to call for a veto, but what we need to see now is vision and people are looking to you for that comprehensive, detailed, inspiring vision of what Wales looks like after we leave the European Union.
“Fighting for what we’ve already got in terms of funding isn’t sufficient, as that would just deliver the bare minimum, and it’s just not good enough.”
And Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies accused the first minister of engaging only with Plaid Cymru and shutting out the other parties in the Assembly.
He said: “I have been clear from the start that Welsh Conservatives are willing to enter constructive discussions, and if Carwyn Jones truly wants to speak for Wales as a whole then he must also be willing to engage with politicians who campaigned on both sides of this issue.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel