Leaving the EU: Scotland and Wales Continuity Bills Debate

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Department: Attorney General

Leaving the EU: Scotland and Wales Continuity Bills

Hywel Williams Excerpts
Wednesday 18th April 2018

(6 years ago)

Commons Chamber
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Jeremy Wright Portrait The Attorney General
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The hon. Gentleman is right that, as I have said, we need to provide certainty wherever we can, and he is right too that there is a political job to be done as much as there is a legal one. I have indicated to him that I take the view that the political way forward is better than the legal way forward, but there is a necessity to resolve the difference of opinion that currently exists over the way forward. If we cannot do that politically, we will have to do it legally, but I know which way I would prefer.

Hywel Williams Portrait Hywel Williams (Arfon) (PC)
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In December, I asked the Secretary of State for Wales what he would do if he failed to gain legislative consent from Wales, and he replied, in his usual way, that he was very confident of success. And now the case is going to the Supreme Court. Is the Attorney General confident that this matter has been handled well, or even half-competently?

Jeremy Wright Portrait The Attorney General
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Yes. Both my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and I are optimistic, and for good reason, and we will remain so in the hope that a sensible settlement can be reached.