This Wednesday (23rd), Welsh Conservatives will hold a debate to mark the 5th anniversary of the Brexit vote in Wales.
Five years on from the historic referendum on the UK’s membership of the European Union (EU) – where 52.5% of Welsh voters opted to leave – the Welsh Labour Government is still failing to capitalise or prepare Wales for the opportunities Brexit can bring.
Since our departure from the EU, the UK has already secured trade agreements with 67 countries, including the EU, worth £890 billion in 2019 and covering 63% of total UK trade. The UK has also applied to join the £9 trillion Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership.
The debate on Wednesday also reiterates our belief that the outcome of referendums should always be respected and that because of the Conservatives delivering on the wishes of the people Wales the Welsh Parliament is more powerful with more responsibilities than at any point since the advent of devolution.
Commenting ahead of the debate, Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for the Constitution, Darren Millar MS said:
“Five years ago, people across Wales and the United Kingdom took part in the largest democratic exercise this country has ever seen.
“Despite the anti-democratic antics from some quarters, the Conservatives got Brexit done by leaving the EU and fulfilled our promise to people in Wales.
“We have now fully regained our political and economic independence – taking back control of our laws, borders, money, trade and fisheries – and our trade agreement with the EU will help to forge a fantastic new relationship with our European neighbours, based on free trade and friendly co-operation.
“Our newfound freedoms have seen us secure historic trade deals and protect our nation by moving quickly to develop, procure and administer a world-leading vaccine programme.
“Wales now has its most powerful devolved parliament in history and moving forward it’s vital the Welsh Labour Government proactively promotes and takes advantage of the opportunities that our departure from the European Union presents.”
