Extracts from Wales Assembly statement on the impact of a no deal Brexit on the environment, agriculture and fisheries - Jan 22

Andrew RT Davies AM:...But, let's not forget that there is a deal on the table, and there are discussions around creating the atmosphere for a deal to come forward. The Labour Party, regrettably, have chosen not to enter into those discussions and, in particular, not to support the Prime Minister in her ability to secure a deal. So, I'd be grateful to understand: does the cabinet secretary support the principle of what the Prime Minister is seeking to achieve by creating the right conditions for a deal to emerge? Because that is vitally important, and the National Farmers Union and the Farmers Union of Wales and other farming organisations do support the Prime Minister's deal that was on the table, which I accept was rejected by all parties last week in the House of Commons. But it is a fact that, obviously, the farming unions in particular have given their support to that particular deal...

...It is vitally important that the work of the department is allowed to go on, and at the FUW farmers' breakfast this morning and at the NFU council yesterday, at last night's dinner, the cabinet Minister did indicate that 'Brexit and our land'—the response to that consultation—has now slipped back to the summer. Again, I would be grateful to understand what impact, obviously, various planning initiatives within the department are having on the day-to-day work of the department, because, obviously, many farmers, whilst knowing that the money is secure until 2022, because that's the commitment the UK Government have given, want to be able to engage in a process of formulating the next series of schemes and initiatives that will be used to obviously support the rural economy. But, as I said, from your statement last night and this morning, you clearly indicated that the 'Brexit and our land' consultation response has slipped now to the summer....