Written Statement: Joint Ministerial Committee (European Negotiations)

On 9 May 2019, I attended the Joint Ministerial Committee (EU Negotiations).

The meeting focussed on the negotiations on the UK’s exit from the EU including discussions between the UK government and the official Opposition in Westminster. The Committee also discussed the role of the devolved administrations in the next phase of the negotiations and domestic issues, including an update on common frameworks following publication of the revised Common Frameworks Analysis on 4 April.

I continued to press the UK government to recognise the need for compromise and to move away from their disastrous red lines in order to reach an agreement that can command the support of Parliament. I reiterated the view of the National Assembly that a deal should reflect the priorities set out in Securing Wales’ Future and that if such an agreement cannot be found in Parliament then the people must decide the way forward.

Turning to the next phase of the negotiations, I made clear that the approach to the future relationship must respect the fact that in many areas the implementation and operation of the future UK/EU relationship are in the competence of the devolved administrations. As a result, it is a matter of constitutional necessity that the devolved administrations are involved in agreeing positions that work for the whole UK. I stressed that UK positions should not normally be advanced with the EU without the agreement of the Devolved Administrations for those matters within our competence. I also called for the devolved administrations to be represented in UK negotiating teams.

I sought a firm commitment that the UK government and devolved administrations will work together collaboratively in the interests of the whole of the UK.