Carwyn Jones, First Minister
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
We are today publishing a White Paper, “Securing Wales’ Future: Transition from the European Union to a new relationship with Europe”, which can be found online at: www.gov.wales/brexit.
Arrangements are being made for printed copies of the document to be provided to Assembly Members.
The White Paper has been developed jointly by the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru, and as such draws on support from three parties. We hope other parties will also find some areas of common ground in the approach we have set out.
The White Paper provides a comprehensive and credible plan for the negotiations with our partners in Europe on the UK’s exit from the European Union – based on solid evidence that places Wales’ priorities centre stage but which is designed to work for the UK as a whole.
Setting out our approach in this White Paper reflects our commitment to engage and work with stakeholders across Wales on the implications of the UK’s exit from the EU. The development of its content has benefitted from a wide range of discussions with stakeholders across Wales, including through the European Advisory Group. Whereas we hope the approach set out in the White Paper will attract wide support, we are not attributing the direct backing of any individuals or external organisations to the document as a whole.
The White Paper represents a fundamental contribution to our discussions with the UK Government and the devolved governments in Scotland and Northern Ireland. From the outset, we have engaged constructively with them on this agenda and the White Paper continues this positive approach.
The decision is made that the UK will leave the EU. The challenge we all face now is ensuring that we secure the best possible deal for Wales and the UK, and that is what the approach set out in the White Paper seeks to achieve.
I will make an Oral Statement to the Assembly on Tuesday 24 January, and the intention is to hold a Plenary debate on the White Paper in early February.