Caerphilly MP Wayne David has said that there needs to be a “new relationship” with the European Union after Britain has left.
Prime Minister Theresa May signed the letter which will formally begin the UK’s departure from the EU on Tuesday March 28, triggering Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty over nine months since the referendum in June 2016.
Speaking at the Welsh Labour Conference on Saturday March 25, Mr David argued that it was important to develop new links with the rest of Europe while respecting the result.
He said: “Two thirds of Welsh exports go to the EU and we must still have access to the single market after we leave the EU. We must also ensure that programmes such as Erasmus+ are continued so that young people continue to benefit from student and exchange programmes.
“Just as importantly, we must work hard to ensure that environmental protection laws are maintained and that workers’ rights, won in Europe, are not undermined by the Tory government.”
Mrs May’s letter was hand delivered to European Council president, Donald Tusk, on Wednesday March 29.
First Minister Carwyn Jones said: “We stand ready to work constructively with the UK Government to secure a deal which protects Welsh businesses, our economy and the future prosperity of Wales.
“As a leader of a country which voted to leave the EU, we are wholly focused on securing Wales’ future. We will step up to the plate and do all we can to deliver the best possible outcome for Wales.”
Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney MP, Gerald Jones, added: “Today marks a historic day in British history as the Government triggers our country’s departure from the European Union.
“Whilst I and the Labour Party more widely accepts the decision taken by a majority of the British public, including a majority of constituents in Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney have voted to leave the European Union, this is the start of a process. The challenge for the Government is to negotiate a fair deal for Britain and for all MPs to hold the Government to account to ensure they do.
“What today’s triggering of Article 50 does not do is open the door for an attack on worker’s rights and the civil rights that are fundamental to the freedoms we enjoy in the UK today.
“Nobody voted for a future outside the EU that leaves them worse off. The Labour Party will be working hard over the next two years to ensure that the Government delivers an exit deal that works for everyone, not just the wealthy few at the top in society.”
What a satisfactory day I can, once again, look forward to living in a country that makes its own laws, does not have to obey shadowy ‘EU Commissioners’ and is outside an out dated customs union. Various politicians squirming as the events of the day unfold is a bonus.
Yes I totally agree – people across the UK now need to accept its finally happened,stop the doom & gloom and adopt a “Can Do”attitude and get on with it ( and that includes certain politicians too ).
A chance to make Britain Great again !
In control of our own destiny.
I’ll drink to that – oops I already have!
Lets hope that our politicians don’t fail us this time.
No matter what you think of britexit good or bad, we must accept the peoples decision and stop fear mongering. My only concern i hope we get the same deals as we are getting now from the uk government as we do from brussels. So many projects were european funded. Its a wait and see game now