If Starmer Wants Growth, He Must Confront the Truth About Brexit – Plaid Cymru.
PM’s “refusal to face the economic reality of Brexit” risks continued harm to Wales, says Plaid Cymru leader following key UK-EU summit.
Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth MS has called on the UK Government to acknowledge the economic impact of Brexit on Wales and take steps to rebuild the UK’s relationship with the European Union by rejoining the Single Market and Customs Union.
He warned that without addressing the structural trade and investment barriers created by Brexit, the UK Government’s priority of driving economic growth will remain significantly constrained – with Wales among the hardest-hit parts of the UK.
His comments come after the UK and EU agreed to a new deal, including a 12-year agreement on EU fishing boats in UK waters. In return, the UK secured an agreement that reduces checks on food exports to the EU.
Mr ap Iorwerth has said that the UK Government has so far “failed to properly reset the relationship with the EU”, warning that without action “the damage will continue”.
By 2025, Brexit will have cost the Welsh economy up to £4 billion, reduced the value of Welsh exports by up to £1.1 billion, and led to a loss of £1 billion in European structural and rural development funding.
Post-Brexit trade agreements between the UK, Australia and New Zealand have also placed additional pressure on Welsh agriculture and manufacturing.
Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth said: “Today’s summit was a critical opportunity to begin repairing the UK’s broken relationship with Europe.
“If Keir Starmer is serious about his government’s priority of growing the economy, he must seize the opportunity to remove trade barriers with our largest neighbouring market by committing to re-join the Single Market and Customs Union.
“This is the most effective way to reverse the damage inflicted on Welsh communities by Brexit, and his government have thus far failed to use all the tools at their disposal to address this damage.
“If Starmer is serious about resetting the UK’s relationship with Europe, he must heed Plaid Cymru’s calls and grasp at the opportunity to join the Single Market and Customs Union to protect the Welsh economy.”
Plaid Cymru is also calling on the UK Government to create a Youth Mobility Scheme and re-join Erasmus+, to give Welsh young people new opportunities to live, learn and work across Europe.
Parts of the new deal are still subject to negotiation but expect ministers today to be talking up gains on "jobs, bills and the border".
Mr ap Iorwerth continued: “In Wales, Plaid Cymru has never shied away from the realities of Brexit.
“Removing trade barriers with one of the largest and most prosperous markets in the world to give our economy the boost it needs by facilitating the free movement of goods, services, capital and labour across the EU – benefitting both UK businesses and consumers.
“Next year, Wales has an opportunity to elect a government that will advocate for exactly that.
“Plaid Cymru are laying out a clear, positive vision for the future – one that includes reconnecting with Europe for the benefit of our people and economy.
“After 26 years of Labour rule in Wales, people are crying out for a government that sticks to its principles, listens to public opinion, and offers real solutions. While Labour panders to Reform voters and avoids the truth about Brexit, Plaid Cymru stands for hope – and for Wales working with Europe again.”
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