Welsh Leader Carwyn Jones Joins UK Brexit Summit
FIRST Minister Carwyn Jones hosted leaders of the UK, Ireland and
devolved administrations to discuss the ongoing Brexit process today
Minister Carwyn Jones
The meeting of the British-Irish Council held at The Vale Resort near Cardiff was attended by Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon, her Northern Ireland counterpart Arlene Foster and her deputy Martin McGuinness as well as Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny and leaders the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey administrations.
But Theresa May did not attend, sending instead a group of ministers.
Speaking at a press conference after the summit, Mr Jones reiterated his previous comments that access to the single market must be continued after the UK leaves the European Union.
“There remain challenges ahead that need to be addressed as the Brexit process moves forward,” he said.
“We hope to address these with the spirit of cooperation.”
Northern Ireland secretary James Brokenshire, who represented the UK Government at the press conference, said: “The Prime Minister has been clear that one of they key objectives has been to get the best arrangements for British business.
“But we also recognise the outcome of the EU referendum, when a very clear message was sent regarding migration.”
Mr McGuinness said he remained concerned the future of the process was unclear.
“There is no one in this room who can put their hand on their heart and say ‘I know what the outcome of the Brexit negotiations will be’,” he said.
“That puts us in a very difficult position.”
He added he was disappointed Mrs May did not take part in the summit.
“This was her first opportunity to attend the meeting of the British Irish Council and to meet with the devolved institutions and the crown dependencies,” he said.
“I think it was a missed opportunity on her behalf.”
Mr Kenny said he was concerned about the implications for Ireland of potential border checks.
He said: “The best outcome would be something as close to what we have at the moment. I think everybody will agree that the importance of the single market is critical for everybody.”
Minister Carwyn Jones
The meeting of the British-Irish Council held at The Vale Resort near Cardiff was attended by Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon, her Northern Ireland counterpart Arlene Foster and her deputy Martin McGuinness as well as Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny and leaders the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey administrations.
But Theresa May did not attend, sending instead a group of ministers.
Speaking at a press conference after the summit, Mr Jones reiterated his previous comments that access to the single market must be continued after the UK leaves the European Union.
“There remain challenges ahead that need to be addressed as the Brexit process moves forward,” he said.
“We hope to address these with the spirit of cooperation.”
Northern Ireland secretary James Brokenshire, who represented the UK Government at the press conference, said: “The Prime Minister has been clear that one of they key objectives has been to get the best arrangements for British business.
“But we also recognise the outcome of the EU referendum, when a very clear message was sent regarding migration.”
Mr McGuinness said he remained concerned the future of the process was unclear.
“There is no one in this room who can put their hand on their heart and say ‘I know what the outcome of the Brexit negotiations will be’,” he said.
“That puts us in a very difficult position.”
He added he was disappointed Mrs May did not take part in the summit.
“This was her first opportunity to attend the meeting of the British Irish Council and to meet with the devolved institutions and the crown dependencies,” he said.
“I think it was a missed opportunity on her behalf.”
Mr Kenny said he was concerned about the implications for Ireland of potential border checks.
He said: “The best outcome would be something as close to what we have at the moment. I think everybody will agree that the importance of the single market is critical for everybody.”
No comments