The UK Government has admitted it could pay for access into the European Union single market once Britain leaves the EU.
Brexit Secretary, David Davis made the claim in the House of Commons on Thursday December 1, after he was questioned by Caerphilly MP, Wayne David.
The Labour MP asked Mr Davis: “Will the Government consider making any contribution in any shape or form for access to the single market?”
The Brexit Secretary replied, saying: “The major criterion here is that we get the best possible access for goods and services to the European market – and if that is included in what you are talking about, then of course we will consider it.”
At Wales Questions on the previous day, Mr David had also asked the Wales Secretary, Alun Cairns, if the UK Government would change the agreement on how European funds are given to communities in Wales.
Mr Cairns responded by suggesting that Caerphilly had experienced significant falls in the level of unemployment since 2010, and that the amount of money spent did not match the number of Leave voters, implying funds would be allocated elsewhere.
Over 57% of Caerphilly County Borough residents voted to leave the EU in June’s referendum.
Mr David said: “It is disgraceful that the Government are challenging the principle that ‘support should go to those areas that need it most’.
“The government has promised to match the European funds that we will lose when we leave the EU, but it is now trying to switch European resources to relatively well-off areas.
“I will be fighting these proposals all the way. Caerphilly County Borough needs as much assistance as possible to overcome the legacy of an economy being heavily dependent on the coal industry.”
Caerfili’s situation is described as “the legacy of an economy being heavily dependent on the coal industry.” The local coal industry, in which I once worked, ceased to exist in 1986, thirty years ago.
Starting in 1918 we have always had a Labour MP, since the Welsh Assembly began in 1998 we have always had a Labour AM and a Labour administration in charge and between 1997 and 2010 we had a Labour government in Westminster. Despite all thepower and influence held by Labour, over many decades, Caerffili is still doing poorly.
Because of this I stopped voting Labour – whatever the solutions to our poverty may be they are not being addressed by the Labour Party. Time for a change I think.
The Tories closed the mines again rolled out by a Labour MP, how much longer will Labour use that one as an excuse for their own failings, Caerphilliy is being stifled by a backward thinking council, sadly come next May as sure as night follows day Labour will yet again be voted into power.