Monday 8 January 2018

Why should devolved areas spend their pocket money on Brexit specilaton?

A £50m fund to help prepare Wales for Brexit has been announced by the Welsh Government today.
But the money has been described as only “a small step in the right direction” by the Welsh Conservatives who accuse Cardiff Bay of dragging its feet on preparations for the UK leaving the EU.

The Wasting Mule reports that


Announcing the EU Transition Fund First Minister Carwyn Jones said it will help Welsh businesses and public services plan and prepare for Brexit.
The fund – supported by an initial £50m – will be developed in partnership with Welsh businesses, public services and other key organisations to provide tailored support as the UK prepares to leave the EU.
It will be used for a combination of financial support and loan funding, and will help provide technical, commercial, export-related and specific advice for businesses.
The Welsh Government said it also will be designed to help employers retain and continue to attract EU nationals who make a crucial contribution to Wales.
It said: “The fund will underline Wales’ welcome to people from other countries who have made Wales their home.”
The EU Transition fund will also provide dedicated support for Wales’ agricultural industry as it prepares for the transition and the future once the UK has left the EU.

First Minister Carwyn Jones said:

“Brexit poses different challenges and opportunities for each and every aspect of Welsh life – from our local businesses and major employers, to our farmers, hospitals and universities.
“The EU Transition Fund will help meet the challenges that lie ahead. Developed in partnership with our businesses and public services, it will provide targeted and innovative support, which will help them survive and, indeed, thrive outside the EU.
“I am making an early announcement about this fund, so we have the greatest opportunity to design this fund with those organisations and businesses it is intended to help.
“My priority is to ensure Wales is in the best possible position to deal with the challenges and opportunities ahead. As a government, we are committed to providing solutions which work for Wales and we will continue to work with partners to make the most of every opportunity.”
 The EU Transition Fund will provide support in devolved areas and will start with an initial £10m down payment in the 2018-19 final budget.

But the Welsh Conservatives accused the Welsh Government of being “a step behind” Westminster in Brexit planning.
The party’s Brexit spokesman, Mark Isherwood, said: 

This is a small step in the right direction but sadly for Wales, since the referendum, the First Minister and his government has been in a state of paralysis, which has ensured that our country has been a step behind.
“I have long called on the First Minister to end his prophecies of doom and gloom over Brexit and provide the people of Wales with words of confidence, optimism and importantly a plan to lead our nation to success.
“Carwyn Jones urgently needs to up his game and ensure that Wales is sufficiently resourced and prepared to embrace the opportunities and tackle the challenges that lie ahead.”

Maybe it would be helpful if the Conservative Ministers in London kept their devolved counterparts up to date on Brexit and where it was heading?

Clearly Chief UK government negotiator has no idea where Brexit will lead to  and  one wonders how the Ministers in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are to prepare for a Brexit  when they are kept on the dark

Apparently some of the cash will come from the EU Transition Fund will provide support in devolved areas and will start with an initial £10m down payment in the 2018-19 final budget.

But hang on a moment,  OK Wales voted to leave but Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to Remain.

Why should the latter two divert much needed funds to alleviate  the folly of Wales and England voters?

Shouldn't   Westminster be the major contributor  to the funds the devolved  areas so they can try and sought out the affect that Brexit is going to have on our economies?

1 comment:

Leigh Richards said...

Given the way the Isherwood's govt at westminster has completely ignored the views of the devolved administrations over brexit think it's reasonable to ask why wales and scotland should spend anything preparing for brexit