Question to the Wales Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what steps he has taken to ensure that the Government receives legislative consent from the National Assembly for Wales on the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill.

The European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill is an essential part of our preparations for a smooth and orderly exit from the EU. The Bill is yet to be introduced, but we expect to seek the legislative consent of the National Assembly for Wales for some of its provisions.

The UK Government has undertaken extensive and meaningful engagement with the Welsh Government in preparing the Bill. Regular JMC (European Negotiations) meetings have provided a productive forum for Ministers from the UK, Welsh and Scottish governments to discuss the Bill. The UK Government has also shared clauses in draft with Ministers from the devolved administrations, allowing them the opportunity to comment and inform the UK Government’s approach to the Bill. UK Government officials have also met with their counterparts in the Welsh Government on a fortnightly basis since the summer to discuss the Bill. The Welsh Government has been positive about both the quantity and quality of engagement to date and this engagement will continue as we prepare for the introduction of the Bill.