First Minister accused of “unacceptable complacency” over failure to plan for Brexit vote

The First Minister today appeared to admit that his government failed to make preparations for a public Brexit vote; despite having issued dire warnings before the poll about the impact of a vote to leave the EU.

Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Andrew RT Davies, quizzed the First Minister in plenary on his government’s preparations for a vote to leave the EU.

He also pressed Mr Jones on the need for the Welsh Government’s response to the referendum to be reflective of the will of the Welsh people.

Speaking outside the chamber, Mr Davies repeated calls for ‘Leave’ campaigners to be given a role in formulating that response.

He said:

“The First Minister repeatedly warned of the dire consequences of a vote to leave the EU, and yet it appears that he didn’t think it necessary to get his government to prepare for such an eventuality.

“Such complacency is unacceptable and explains, in part, his failure to see this result coming.

“In contrast, we learnt yesterday that the UK Government undertook detailed contingency planning – in particular, planning for the impact on financial stability.”

Mr Davies also stressed the need for ‘Leave’ campaigners to be given a role in preparing Wales’ response to the referendum result.

He said:

“It is vital that the First Minister moves to endorse the will of the Welsh people and accepts the result of Thursday’s vote fully and without qualification.

“Despite the expectations of many, including Carwyn Jones, Wales has proven itself to be a Eurosceptic nation, but we cannot ignore the fact that significant numbers of people supported a remain vote and we will respect their views and ensure that their concerns are addressed.

“Clearly, both the Labour Party and Plaid Cymru misunderstood this. Those parties, unlike the Welsh Conservative Party, do not reflect the balance of opinion which exists amongst the Welsh public.

“As negotiations in relation to the UK’s withdrawal from the EU continue, the Welsh Government must ensure public opinion is better reflected as part of this process.

” Wales needs strong leadership that reflects the wishes of its people, and ensures the best deal for our country in this new era. That must include a role for those politicians of all parties who campaigned for a vote to leave.”