Leanne: full single market membership must be “red line” in Brexit talks

Plaid Cymru Leader Leanne Wood has today said that Wales securing full membership of the single market must be a “red line” in the upcoming negotiations on the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union.

The call comes on the back of a Plaid Cymru delegation visit to Brussels in which Leanne Wood, Shadow Secretary for External Affairs Steffan Lewis AM and Shadow Secretary for Finance and the Economy Adam Price AM, met with several EU missions from various nations and regions to learn more about trade and economic relations with the EU and the options available to Wales.

Leanne Wood emphasised the difference between ‘access to’ and ‘membership of’ the single market, adding that securing the latter would be crucial in order to protect thousands of Welsh jobs and maintain trade links without Wales being subject to punitive tariffs.

Party of Wales Leader Leanne Wood said:

“The number one priority for the Welsh Government during Brexit negotiations should be protecting our economy.

“This must include securing full membership of the single market for Wales as a red line in any discussions.

“Single market membership is arguably more important for Wales than any other part of the UK given that we are a net exporter of goods.

“We also benefit from several free trade agreements throughout the world thanks to our current single market status.

“It is also vital that the Welsh Government secures a veto on the final terms of the EU-UK deal that will be negotiated by Theresa May and her Brexit team. We must not sit back and allow our nation’s future to be determined by Westminster.

“If the final deal brought to the table poses a threat to Wales’s economy and communities in any form, Plaid Cymru will withhold support for it.”