The Welsh Government has today published a detailed, evidence-based account of why Welsh Government believes our interests would be best served by remaining in the EU.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
Published today ‘A Brighter Future for Wales’ sets out in detail the potential damage of leaving the EU without a deal and makes the case for continued membership of the EU. It shows how within the EU we could address some of the concerns that fuelled the Leave vote in 2016.
‘A Brighter Future for Wales’ builds on our record of providing evidence and policy analysis on Brexit related issues and how to protect Wales’ interests. It also calls for any final decision to go back to the people in a new referendum.
Commenting on the publication, the Counsel General and Brexit Minister, Jeremy Miles said:
“We strained every sinew in our efforts to build consensus around a form of Brexit which respected the results of the 2016 referendum but limited the damage to our economy.
“However, it now seems clear that the choice facing us all under this Government has narrowed to one between a no deal Brexit and remaining in the EU. And the single greatest myth of no deal is that it will bring an end to the Brexit trauma. People should not be fooled that a no deal Brexit will be the end of 3 years of uncertainty – we will still need a deal with the our nearest neighbours at some point and a crash-out will make these negotiations all the more difficult.
“A Brighter Future for Wales’ explains why the Welsh Government is convinced that remaining in the EU is, in these circumstances, the best option for Wales.
“It provides evidence for why a no deal Brexit would be a disaster for Wales, and why, should we remain in the EU, it would still be possible to address some of the concerns which fuelled the vote to leave.
“A no deal Brexit would do fundamental damage to our economy in the same way that the Thatcher Government did in the 1980s; threaten our rights at work; undermine our environmental standards and protections; weaken our public services by reducing the tax-base and the access to skills; reduce our access to funding for investment in our infrastructure, our research base, and our skills, including, critically, apprenticeships; and threaten devolution.
“By contrast, remaining in the EU would provide us with a platform of economic stability and an opportunity to work with others to increase action to combat the environmental emergency and improve rights at work. Wales would continue to be a net beneficiary of EU funds and Welsh citizens would continue to be able to take advantage of the right to travel, live and work across Europe.
“Faced by the imminent threat of a no deal Brexit, the decision needs to go back to the people, and it is in the interests of all the people of Wales that the UK remains in the EU.”