Welsh and Scottish leaders to hold Brexit talks

Carwyn Jones and Nicola Sturgeon have both claimed the UK government’s European Union Withdrawal Bill will result in powers being removed from the devolved governments and handed back to Westminster, and will discuss the issue in Edinburgh today.

Speaking ahead of the meeting Mr Jones said the bill, which sets out the basis of negotiations around leaving the EU, “flies in the face of devolution”.

“We cannot accept it in its current form,” he said. “It is quite simply a blatant power grab from Whitehall which is not in the interest of people in Wales and the other devolved administrations.”

He added, while the Welsh Government had said it was prepared to “work constructively with the UK government to try and reach agreement on future arrangements”, he had seen “no real desire to take up this invitation”.

“Unless we see a completely different approach we will not be recommending the Assembly gives its consent to this bill,” he said.

“I am looking forward to discussing with Nicola Sturgeon our shared concerns regarding the bill and wider Brexit issues which affects both our countries.

“By speaking with one voice we will make it clear that the UK government cannot simply impose its will on the other constituent parts of the UK.”

Although the Welsh, Scottish and Northern Ireland governments have the power to refuse Westminster permission to pass a bill which will affect devolved power, this is not legally binding.

Also speaking ahead of her meeting with Mr Jones, Ms Sturgeon said: “Both the Scottish and the Welsh Governments have been clear that this power grab cannot be allowed to take place.”

She added: “We have said repeatedly that we are willing to talk constructively with the UK government on future arrangements. But this has to be on the basis of agreement and partnership not imposition.

“The Scottish Government is doing all we can to prevent an extreme Brexit, keep the UK in the single market and protect devolution.”