Senior MEP Elmar Brok is in Wales today to talk Brexit with First Minister and Finance Secretary.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
The Welsh Government has invited Elmar Brok to Wales to discuss its proposals for a Brexit that protects jobs and the Welsh economy. A leading member of the Group of the European People’s Party (the largest political group in the European Parliament), he is one of the 6 members on the Parliament’s Brexit Steering Group, which will play a crucial role in determining the Parliament’s views on the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement. The European Parliament has a decisive role in the Brexit process, because it must approve the Withdrawal Agreement negotiated by the European Commission.
During his visit, Mr Brok will address the First Minister’s European Advisory Group and speak at a Wales Governance Centre event, followed by a short Q&A session with the public in Cardiff Bay.
Speaking ahead of Mr Brok’s visit, the First Minister said:
“Elmar Brok is one of the longest serving, most experienced and most influential members of the European Parliament.
“I look forward to hearing his thoughts on the current state of the Brexit negotiations and his views on the prospects for a future trade agreement between the UK and the European Union. I am also interested in listening to his views on the future of the EU, notably the priorities for the forthcoming budget round and how the EU, and the next European Parliament, will look without the UK.”
Mark Drakeford said:
“I am delighted to be welcoming Elmar Brok to Wales, having had the opportunity to talk to him about Brexit on several occasions over the last 2 years. This is an opportunity for us to outline our plans for a sensible Brexit that protects Wales’ economy and jobs. We need to find new ways of working together with our friends and neighbours in Europe on our common challenges.”
The First Minister will hold a private meeting with Elmar Brok ahead of the European Advisory Group.