Asked by: Hywel Williams (Plaid Cymru - Arfon)
Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :
To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what plans he has to maintain protections in relation to equal pay set out in the Charter of Fundamental Rights after the UK has left the EU.
Answered by Steve Baker - Minister of State (Northern Ireland Office)
The UK has a longstanding tradition of ensuring our rights and liberties are protected domestically and of fulfilling our international human rights obligations. The decision to leave the European Union does not change this.
The Government’s intention has always been that in itself not incorporating the Charter into UK law should not affect the substantive rights that individuals already benefit from in the UK, as the Charter was never the source of those rights. The EU (Withdrawal) Bill sets out how the sources of these substantive rights, so far as they exist elsewhere in EU law, are being converted into UK law at the point we exit the EU.
In order to provide guidance on the protection afforded to every right in the Charter the Government has published a non-exhaustive analysis which sets out how substantive rights found in the Charter - including those mentioned in this grouped question - will be reflected in the domestic law of the UK after exit. The analysis is available on gov.uk at the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/664891/05122017_Charter_Analysis_FINAL_VERSION.pdf.
Asked by: Hywel Williams (Plaid Cymru - Arfon)
Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :
To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what plans he has to ensure the maintenance of protections from discrimination in employment on grounds of religion or belief in the Charter of Fundamental Rights after the UK has left the EU.
Answered by Steve Baker - Minister of State (Northern Ireland Office)
The UK has a longstanding tradition of ensuring our rights and liberties are protected domestically and of fulfilling our international human rights obligations. The decision to leave the European Union does not change this.
The Government’s intention has always been that in itself not incorporating the Charter into UK law should not affect the substantive rights that individuals already benefit from in the UK, as the Charter was never the source of those rights. The EU (Withdrawal) Bill sets out how the sources of these substantive rights, so far as they exist elsewhere in EU law, are being converted into UK law at the point we exit the EU.
In order to provide guidance on the protection afforded to every right in the Charter the Government has published a non-exhaustive analysis which sets out how substantive rights found in the Charter - including those mentioned in this grouped question - will be reflected in the domestic law of the UK after exit. The analysis is available on gov.uk at the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/664891/05122017_Charter_Analysis_FINAL_VERSION.pdf.
Asked by: Hywel Williams (Plaid Cymru - Arfon)
Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :
To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what plans he has to ensure that the protections from discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation will be maintained to the standard set out in the Charter of Fundamental Rights.
Answered by Steve Baker - Minister of State (Northern Ireland Office)
The UK has a longstanding tradition of ensuring our rights and liberties are protected domestically and of fulfilling our international human rights obligations. The decision to leave the European Union does not change this.
The Government’s intention has always been that in itself not incorporating the Charter into UK law should not affect the substantive rights that individuals already benefit from in the UK, as the Charter was never the source of those rights. The EU (Withdrawal) Bill sets out how the sources of these substantive rights, so far as they exist elsewhere in EU law, are being converted into UK law at the point we exit the EU.
In order to provide guidance on the protection afforded to every right in the Charter the Government has published a non-exhaustive analysis which sets out how substantive rights found in the Charter - including those mentioned in this grouped question - will be reflected in the domestic law of the UK after exit. The analysis is available on gov.uk at the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/664891/05122017_Charter_Analysis_FINAL_VERSION.pdf.
Asked by: Hywel Williams (Plaid Cymru - Arfon)
Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :
To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what plans he has to ensure that the protections from discrimination on the grounds of age will be maintained to the standard set out in the Charter of Fundamental Rights.
Answered by Steve Baker - Minister of State (Northern Ireland Office)
The UK has a longstanding tradition of ensuring our rights and liberties are protected domestically and of fulfilling our international human rights obligations. The decision to leave the European Union does not change this.
The Government’s intention has always been that in itself not incorporating the Charter into UK law should not affect the substantive rights that individuals already benefit from in the UK, as the Charter was never the source of those rights. The EU (Withdrawal) Bill sets out how the sources of these substantive rights, so far as they exist elsewhere in EU law, are being converted into UK law at the point we exit the EU.
In order to provide guidance on the protection afforded to every right in the Charter the Government has published a non-exhaustive analysis which sets out how substantive rights found in the Charter - including those mentioned in this grouped question - will be reflected in the domestic law of the UK after exit. The analysis is available on gov.uk at the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/664891/05122017_Charter_Analysis_FINAL_VERSION.pdf.
Asked by: Hywel Williams (Plaid Cymru - Arfon)
Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :
To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what the Government’s policy is on associate EU citizenship for UK nationals in the event that the UK leaves the EU.
Answered by Suella Braverman
We have always said that we would be content to listen to any proposals from the European Commission however EU treaty provisions make clear that only citizens of EU Member States are able to hold EU citizenship. Therefore, when the UK ceases to be a member of the European Union, British nationals will no longer hold EU citizenship, unless they hold dual nationality with another EU Member State.
However, we know that in the future, many UK nationals will wish to continue to travel, live and work within the European Union, just as EU citizens will still wish to do so in the UK. We look forward to discussing our future relationship with the European Union, one which will work in the interest of both the UK and the EU.
Asked by: Hywel Williams (Plaid Cymru - Arfon)
Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :
To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what translation arrangements his Department has put in place to enable efficient and accurate handling of Welsh language correspondence from (a) MPs and (b) the general public.
Answered by Robin Walker
The Department for Exiting the European Union is committed to dealing with all Welsh language correspondence efficiently and accurately. When we receive Welsh language correspondence we seek advice from the Wales Office on a case by case basis.
Asked by: Hywel Williams (Plaid Cymru - Arfon)
Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :
To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of adopting EU associated citizenship for UK citizens as a negotiating position.
Answered by Robin Walker
We are content to listen to proposals from the EU on associated citizenship for UK nationals however, to date, this has not been formally proposed to the UK in negotiations. EU treaty provisions state that only citizens of EU Member States are able to hold EU citizenship. Therefore, when the UK ceases to be a member of the European Union, British nationals will no longer hold EU citizenship, unless they hold dual nationality with another EU Member State.
We have secured a deal that will safeguard the rights of UK nationals living in the European Union, so that they can continue living their lives broadly as they do now. Details of this agreement, which gives more certainty about residence, healthcare, pensions and other benefits, can be found in the Joint Report published in December.
As we move forward into the next phase of negotiations we will continue to work to ensure the best possible outcome for the British people.
Asked by: Hywel Williams (Plaid Cymru - Arfon)
Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :
To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what the formal relationship is between himself and the First Secretary of State.
Answered by Robin Walker
The First Secretary of State is a colleague and member of Cabinet. An outline of ministerial responsibilities can be found on GOV.UK under the relevant departments webpage.
Asked by: Hywel Williams (Plaid Cymru - Arfon)
Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :
To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, when he last met the First Secretary to discuss the Welsh Government's priorities for the negotiations on the UK leaving the EU.
Answered by Robin Walker
On 16 October 2017, the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union attended the Joint Ministerial Committee on EU Negotiations, chaired by the First Secretary of State and attended by representatives from the devolved administrations, including the Welsh Government. Important progress was made. The Committee discussed priorities for the future relationship with the EU and agreed the principles that will underpin common UK frameworks. The Secretary of State and the First Secretary regularly discuss the process of exiting the European Union.
Asked by: Hywel Williams (Plaid Cymru - Arfon)
Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :
To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what discussions he has had with the Irish Government on the continuation of interreg funding for Wales.
Answered by Robin Walker
The Government will guarantee EU Structural and Investment fund projects signed before we leave the EU, even where these continue after we leave. Beyond these priorities, decisions on the replacement of EU funding will be taken in light of wider UK strategic priorities and other domestic spending decisions. As we transition to longer-term arrangements, we will ensure the devolved administrations are treated fairly and their circumstances are taken into account. The Government is committed to securing a deal that works for the entire United Kingdom - for Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and all parts of England.