David Rees AM, Chair of the External Affairs and Additional Legislation Committee (the Assembly’s ‘Brexit Committee’) responded to the announcement of a deal finally being reached on the text of an Article 50 Withdrawal Agreement:
“I welcome the announcement that the EU and the UK have finally reached a point at which they have agreed the negotiated text of a Withdrawal Agreement.”
Whilst we await the Cabinet agreement on this text, it is now our responsibility to consider the implications for Wales of this development and we will now consider the detail of the agreement as a priority.”
In responding, Mr Rees also stated:
“It is a concern that it has taken so long to arrive at an agreement as it now limits the time available to us, and colleagues in other parliaments, to assess the implications of the Withdrawal Agreement for the people we represent. We will be working to a very, very tight timescale”
On the timescale for the UK Parliament to consider the Withdrawal Agreement, he said:
“Whilst we sincerely appreciate the pressure on colleagues in the UK Parliament to consider the Withdrawal Agreement quickly, we are keen to ensure that there is time for the Assembly to offer a view that can be considered before any decision is taken.”
On the prospect of a ‘no deal’ Brexit, David Rees called for clear and detailed analysis:
“All the evidence we have heard in our work to date suggests that a ‘no deal’ Brexit would be disastrous for Wales.
We now need detailed analysis of this agreement to demonstrate that it offers Wales a better prospect than “no deal” and a comparison with our current membership of the European Union.”
The External Affairs and Additional Legislation Committee is currently considering the Withdrawal Agreement and will be issuing outputs in relation to it in the coming weeks in order to inform any debate that takes place within the National Assembly and beyond.