How could the push for closer EU ties affect the Senedd's policy focus?
Senedd's policy focus may shift toward EU cooperation and economic relief The political advocacy for closer ties with the European Union, driven by regional voices and Welsh politicians, could influence the Senedd's legislative agenda. For instance, Ken Skates, a Member of the Senedd, has strongly criticized Brexit, stating that exports have fallen by 20% since 2019 and that bureaucratic systems cost an average of £149 extra per shipment. This focus on economic damage and the need for a 'better arrangement' suggests that the Senedd may increasingly prioritize policies aimed at reducing red tape and boosting trade with European partners.
- Effect
- Mild positive
- How direct
- 2 steps, 1 inferred by Brind
- When
- Within months
- The story
- No new developments lately
How it reaches Senedd
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Andy Burnham called for significantly closer ties with the European Union, arguing that the current post-Brexit status quo has caused more harm than good. This proposal drew criticism from Kemi Badenoch, who warned that pursuing new post-Brexit deals risks 'unpicking' the historic deal. Catherine Fookes MP supported the move, stating that closer ties could lower costs and increase exports for businesses in Monmouthshire.
The full event2independent outlets -
Ken Skates, a Member of the Senedd, has publicly stated that Brexit has been a disaster. He argues that the current bureaucratic system costs an average of £149 extra per shipment and that exports have fallen by 20% since 2019, supporting the need for closer engagement with European partners.
1 report connects these two. Brind only summarizes; follow a link to read the reporting itself.
- southwalesargus.co.uk Oct 1
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Member of the Senedd (born 1976)
Everything about Ken Skates -
As a Member of the Senedd, Skates's public advocacy, backed by figures like Catherine Fookes MP, puts pressure on the devolved parliament to address the economic consequences of the post-Brexit status quo. This pressure could lead the Senedd to prioritize legislative actions that facilitate closer trade and reduce administrative burdens.
No report states this step directly. Brind drew it from the reporting on each side of it, so treat it as an informed guess.
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devolved parliament of Wales
Everything about Senedd
Tap any step to see the evidence behind it.
The facts so far
As reported. Each one links to where it comes from.
- Exports have fallen by 20% since 2019, according to Ken Skates.southwalesargus.co.uk
- The bureaucratic system now costs an average of an extra £149 per shipment.southwalesargus.co.uk
- Catherine Fookes MP believes closer ties with the EU would lower costs and increase exports like Welsh lamb and beef.southwalesargus.co.uk
Why it matters
For the Senedd, the push for closer EU ties represents a significant political challenge to the current post-Brexit framework. If the Senedd adopts a stronger pro-EU stance, it could fundamentally alter its legislative priorities, moving away from purely domestic issues toward international trade and regulatory alignment. This shift would be a major indicator of how Welsh political leaders view the economic viability of the current UK-EU relationship.
This debate is framed by intense political rivalry, notably between Andy Burnham and Kemi Badenoch. While Burnham advocates for deeper cooperation, Badenoch criticizes him for 'unpicking' the Brexit deal. The Senedd, as a key political body in Wales, is positioned at the intersection of these national political battles, meaning its policy decisions could reflect the regional desire for economic stability over strict adherence to the current political divide.
What we don't know yet
- Will the Senedd prioritize economic relief measures over political alignment with the UK government?
- How will the Senedd balance the calls for closer EU ties with the political realities of the current UK government?
Is this still moving?
- Reports
- 2
- Developments
- 2
- Repetition
- 0%
What would change this answer
— Other considerations
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Who else could feel it
Other possible ripples from the same event.
- WalesPossibleCloser EU ties could boost Welsh exports and lower costs
- Monmouthshire County CouncilPossibleCloser EU ties may reduce operational costs and red tape for Monmouthshire County Council
- European CommissionPossibleThe European Commission may face pressure to ease regulatory barriers with the UK
Reporting
- southwalesargus.co.ukOct 1
- aol.co.ukMonday
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Brind's analysis is written by AI from the reporting linked above and can be wrong. This explainer is a possibility worth considering, not a forecast: steps marked as Brind's reasoning are not stated in the reporting. It is not investment advice; do your own research.