| Author (Corporate) | United Kingdom: Prime Minister's Office |
|---|---|
| Series Title | Press Release |
| Series Details | 24.10.16 |
| Publication Date | 24/10/2016 |
| Content Type | News |
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The devolved administrations in the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales) would be offered the chance of a direct line to the Brexit secretary to allow them to help shape the UK’s EU exit strategy. Prime Minister Theresa May made the offer of a new official forum, to be chaired by David Davis, to the leaders of Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish governments on the 24 October 2016. It followed the pledge the Prime Minister made in her first weeks in office that she was fully committed to engaging with the devolved administrations as the government deliverd on the verdict of the UK people in their June 2016 vote to leave the EU. In the first meeting of the Joint Ministerial Committee for 2 years, the Prime Minister said the government was ready to listen to proposals put forward by political leaders from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as she renegotiated the UK’s relationship with the EU. The new forum for government discussion, to be known as the Joint Ministerial Committee (EU Negotiations), will place the devolved administrations on a formal footing for discussions and allow them to voice the views of the governments they lead as negotiations progress. [1st meeting was held on 9 November 2016 - see related url hyperlink below] After the meeting First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: 'This was a long overdue meeting but unfortunately it was, in large parts, hugely frustrating'. 'The Scottish Government is fully committed to engaging with the UK Government and we will seek to use our influence to ensure that the UK does not pursue a hard Brexit. However it is clear from today’s discussions that we must also continue to pursue alternative options, including bringing forward proposals to protect Scotland's place in the single market even if the rest of the UK leaves, and continuing to prepare for the option of a referendum on independence if that is what is necessary to prevent the UK taking Scotland over a hard Brexit cliff edge'. Northern Ireland First Minister the Rt. Hon. Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said after the JMC meeting 'We are heartened at the widespread support for our position that we are facing unique circumstances in this unfolding situation. We are the only region represented here today with a land border with an EU state. 'Commitments have been made by Theresa May’s Ministers on the priority being attached to our unique circumstances. 'Those words must be translated into action with a meaningful and clearly established role in negotiations. There must be no democratic deficit when it comes to our region’s voice being heard and its interests defended'. Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones said: 'There is still huge uncertainty about what success will look like from the UK Government. That makes it difficult for the devolved administrations to positively influence the process, but we are still committed to working for the best deal for Wales. 'I argued very strongly for full and unfettered access to the single market – my key priority remains the Welsh economy and securing more and better jobs for Wales. For us, that must be the starting point for negotiations. 'I welcome the fact the UK Government has conceded to the demands of the devolved administrations to meet more frequently, and for us to have a meaningful role in developing the future work programme relating to Brexit.' |
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| Source Link | Link to Main Source https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pm-devolved-administrations-vital-to-our-success-in-the-future |
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| Subject Categories | Politics and International Relations |
| Countries / Regions | United Kingdom, Wales |
