A catastrophic no deal Brexit will endanger jobs, investment and
livelihoods in Wales – Welsh Government Ministers will today
demand the UK’s next Prime Minister to rule it out immediately.
Speaking on the second day of the Royal Welsh Show – and on the
day the UK’s next Prime Minister is set to be revealed –
International Relations Minister, and Brexit Minister,
have warned a no deal
Brexit is not in the UK’s national interest.
They also warned a no-deal Brexit would destroy Welsh farming.
The sector has well-established export links to EU countries,
exporting significant amounts of Welsh produce and would be
impacted by tariffs levied on Welsh produce should the UK leave
without a deal.
A catastrophic no deal Brexit could lead to:
-
A smaller economy – 8% to 10% smaller
over the long run under World Trade Organisation rules. This
would be equivalent to between £1,500 and £2,000 per
head.
-
Damage to Welsh jobs – A weaker economy
and increased barriers for business will endanger jobs,
investment, and livelihoods in Wales.
-
New export taxes on Welsh business
– Significant tariffs on Welsh lamb and beef
exports. These could include tariffs (import taxes) as high as
84% on cattle carcasses, 46% on lamb and 61% on cuts of
lamb.
-
New regulatory barriers for Welsh businesses
– Any new barriers to the EU market could be
hugely damaging for many Welsh businesses, especially those in
the food sector, but as well as aerospace, and the automotive
sectors – all vital to the Welsh economy. This would have an
immediate and long-term impact on living standards and push
more people into poverty in Wales.
-
Red tape and delays – Changes to customs
rules which add to costs, time, inconvenience and regulation
could have a damaging impact on the economy of Wales.
-
Delays at ports – Could see delays at
Welsh and UK ports as new barriers and checks put in
place.
Brexit Minister, said:
“Later today, we’ll discover who will be the next Prime Minister
of the UK. Whoever wins, we know they have threatened to tear the
UK out of the EU without a deal, mainly to please their own
party, rather than putting the interests of the country first.
“Those hell bent on a no deal Brexit need to hear the clear
message from Wales today – this would hit Wales hard, inflicting
catastrophic damage on our country and economy.
“This cannot be allowed to happen – we won’t stand by and allow
sustained growth in Welsh farming and food to be derailed by the
reckless actions of a few. Today we’re calling on the new Prime
Minister to rule no deal out.”
International Relations Minister, said:
“I have spoken to many businesses who have told me they want to
invest and create jobs in Wales but are put off because of the
never-ending Brexit uncertainly. We need that certainty – and we
need it now.
“Those who advocated the UK leaving the EU said nothing would
change. But we now know that a no deal Brexit would change
everything and not for the better. No one who voted for Brexit
voted to make the nation poorer.
“People were promised a fantasy. The new Prime Minister knows
that fantasy is in fact a nightmare that’s staring down on
us.
“That’s why we need a new Brexit vote and we will continue to
advocate Wales remaining in the EU.”
