Jeremy Miles MS, Counsel General and Minister for European Transition
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
The European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 requires the UK Government to report to Parliament periodically on matters relating to Common Frameworks and the UK Government’s use, if any, of powers under section 12 of the Act (the so-called ‘freezing powers’) temporarily to maintain existing EU law limits on devolved competence. I am notifying Members that the ninth such report was laid in Parliament on 10 December 2020, covering the period 26 June - 25 September 2020.
The report outlines continued positive work on Common Frameworks, and confirms that the UK Government has not used the ‘freezing powers’. Despite disruption caused by the Covid pandemic, the progress of work across the Common Frameworks programme throughout 2020 represents a considerable achievement, and provides a model for future intergovernmental projects.
However, the Common Frameworks process risks being destabilised by the UK Government’s approach to the UK Internal Market. The report acknowledges the Devolved Governments’ disagreement with the UK Internal Market Bill which has now been passed by Parliament. But, as it covers the period up until 25 September, it does not reflect the fact that the Senedd voted against giving legislative consent to the UK Internal Market Bill on 9 December 2020.
I also published a Written Statement on 16 December which outlined details of a possible legal challenge to the UK Internal Market Bill. We have asked for a response from the UK Government within 14 days.
The report can be found here: