First Minister called upon to play more“constructive” role with the UK Government over Brexit

The leader of the Welsh Conservatives has called on the First Minister to play a more “constructive” role with the UK Government as it nears its formal withdrawal from the EU.

His comments come in response to a warning from Carwyn Jones, who during an Assembly scrutiny meeting this morning told Members it was “unlikely” that the UK would get a full trade deal with the EU before it leaves the union.

Andrew RT Davies lamented that Mr Jones’ comments were characteristically “lacking in ambition” and “doom-laden”.

Responding, Mr Davies said:

“The First Minister seems incapable of talking about Brexit without resorting to language of abject negativity.

“His latest comments are characteristically lacking in ambition and add to the instances of doom-laden sermonising which he’s subjected the public to since it voted to leave the EU.

“As we near our formal withdrawal from the Union, Carwyn Jones should seek to play a more constructive role in the UK Government’s negotiations.

“Whinging from the side-lines like a man who’s lost a bet is not a look which befits a national leader.”

Article 50 #Brexit case: update on interveners, inc from Scotland, Wales and NI https://t.co/VWYtr27UuB

— UK Supreme Court (@UKSupremeCourt) November 18, 2016

The Welsh Government has been given the go-ahead to intervene in Supreme Court ‘Brexit’ Appeal.
The Counsel General for Wales has been granted permission to intervene in the UK Government’s Article 50 ‘Brexit’ appeal to the Supreme Court.

The UK Government is appealing against a High Court judgment that UK Ministers do not have the power to give notice under Article 50 for the UK to withdraw from the European Union using the Crown Prerogative.

On 4th November 2016, the Counsel General for Wales, Mick Antoniw AM announced his intention to apply for permission to intervene in the appeal.

Mr. Antoniw said:

“I very much welcome the Supreme Court’s decision to grant the Welsh Government permission to intervene in the appeal.

“This case raises issues of profound importance not only in relation to the concept of Parliamentary Sovereignty but also in relation to the wider constitutional arrangements of the United Kingdom and the legal framework for devolution.

“This case is not about whether the UK leaves the EU or not. The people have voted for the UK to leave the EU, and the UK will leave. The sole legal question at issue is whether the UK Government can, as a matter of constitutional law, use the Prerogative powers to give notice of withdrawal from the European Union.

“In the Supreme Court, the Welsh Government will seek to reinforce the importance of Parliamentary Sovereignty and the rule of law: core, established principles of British constitutional law.”