Welsh Liberal Democrats to Vote to Withhold Legislative Consent on NI Protocol Bill

The Welsh Liberal Democrats will vote to withhold Legislative Consent on the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill when it is brought before the Senedd later today with Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS stating that the UK Conservative Government’s proposals to override the Northern Ireland Protocol would not just represent an egregious breach of international law – but risk plunging the country into a trade war with our closest neighbours.

Commenting Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS said:

“No responsible government would ever countenance taking such steps – and at a time when we should be working with our European allies in face of Russia’s aggression, it would ignite a diplomatic firestorm.

“The Conservative’s plans would turn a cost of living emergency into a total nightmare – at a time when families up and down the country desperately need support.

 “A trade war would be a disaster for Welsh farmers – who already struggling with increased costs and extra red tape alongside regular families who already face extra inflationary pressures as the result of the Conservatives’ botched Brexit deal.

“Rather than throw the economy into yet more turmoil over the Northern Ireland Protocol, the Conservatives should focus on providing the vital support to families which is currently lacking. 

“The easiest way for tensions to be solved would be for the UK as a whole to re-join the single market and customs union as the Welsh Liberal Democrats are calling for.”