Member of Parliament for Clwyd South, Simon Baynes MP, has warmly welcomed the announcement by the UK Government of a successful conclusion to the Brexit negotiations with the European Union today on Christmas Eve.
Simon Baynes MP said:
“As a longstanding supporter of Brexit, I am delighted by the announcement today which is a great deal for Clwyd South, the rest of Wales and the UK. Our deal provides Welsh businesses with exceptional access to the EU’s market: It is the first time the EU has ever agreed a zero tariffs, zero quota deal.
“The people of Wales, and all UK nationals, will be able to benefit from a wide range of social security rights when travelling, working and living in the EU, including access to an uprated state pension and to reciprocal healthcare arrangements. It will also allow UK residents to access necessary healthcare when travelling in the EU under the same type of arrangements that currently exist with the EHIC scheme.
“And our European friends who live, work or study in Wales now will continue to enjoy their rights under the UK’s EU Settlement Scheme. So far, we have granted 3,786,780 successful applications for settled or pre-settled status to EU or EEA nationals in the UK, including 74,300 of around 80,000 in Wales.
“The Agreement also ensures that the world-renowned Welsh products such as Welsh lamb, Welsh laverbread and Traditional Welsh Caerphilly will be protected in the EU with geographical indications and we have established a mechanism for protecting GIs in future in both the EU and the UK.
“This British shaped deal, negotiated by UK Government officials from Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and England, provides continuity and opportunities for the Welsh economy, and meets the UK Government’s commitment to maintaining high standards. These are standards that the UK helped to draft, and reflect the importance that we place on remaining a world leader in these areas.
“This deal is only one of many as the UK enters the global stage as an independent trading partner. We are not limiting ourselves to just trade with the EU. We will go on to sign trade deals around the world, which will be great news for Welsh businesses and consumers. They will offer new opportunities in new markets for our burgeoning exports.
“The Welsh Government said it wanted a deal and we will now be ending the transition period with one. Now it needs to take action to ensure Wales is ready for the deal and benefits fully.”
Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart said:
“We have agreed a deal with the EU which is good for Wales and the rest of the UK and which delivers on the outcome of the 2016 referendum.
“Our deal provides Welsh businesses with the access they need to the EU’s market and creates a new relationship between the UK and the EU based on friendly cooperation between equals.
“Wales has a bright future outside the EU and the new opportunities this deal offers to people and businesses are the result of Wales’ integral place in the United Kingdom.”
