THE reputation of the UK on the international stage has been "badly tarnished" by the uncertainty around Brexit, first minister Mark Drakeford has said.
Speaking at a press conference earlier today, Mr Drakeford said he believed the rest of Europe and the world had understood the Brexit process would be difficult. But he said this goodwill was running out.
"It's in no doubt at all to me that the reputation of the UK, and the UK Government particularly, has been badly tarnished in the most recent weeks," he said.
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"Up until now there has been quite a lot of understanding on the part of the EU continuing members that Brexit was a difficult business and that the UK Government was to be given as much latitude as could be found to make its way through those difficulties."
But the first minister said, during visits to Brussels and Paris last week as part of St David's Day celebrations, people had raised concerns with him "time and time again" that Theresa May was reneging on previous promises.
He added the failure of the prime minister and her team to negotiate changes to the Brexit deal which will win support in Parliament when it goes before MPs again next week would lead Wales and the rest of the UK into "very serious territory".
"That level of uncertainty that has already been so corrosive to business confidence, and citizens' confidence as well, can only be further intensified," he said.
Mr Drakeford also said tomorrow, Tuesday, the Welsh Assembly and the Scottish Parliament will hold joint debates and votes calling for a no-deal Brexit to be ruled out entirely. This is believed to be the first time a simultaneous debate and vote has been held.
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