Oral Answers to Questions

Nigel Huddleston Excerpts

Wednesday 30th November 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. A lot of very noisy private conversations are taking place. I must advise the House that we have many distinguished visitors here today, not only from across the country, but from Iraq and Egypt. We wish to show them that in our ancient democracy we can, when we try, conduct ourselves with due decorum, which will now be brilliantly exemplified by Mr Nigel Huddleston.

[Nigel Huddleston (Mid Worcestershire) (Con)]

6. What recent discussions he has had with key stakeholders on the potential effect of the UK leaving the EU on Wales.

[Karl MᶜCartney (Lincoln) (Con)]

10. What recent discussions he has had with key stakeholders on the potential effect of the UK leaving the EU on Wales.

[The Secretary of State for Wales (Alun Cairns)]

Since the referendum in June, I have had discussions with a wide range of stakeholders across Wales, from the Wales Council for Voluntary Action, to the farming unions, the CBI Wales and the Institute of Directors in Wales, to hear their views on how to secure the best deal for Wales and the UK as we leave the EU. Those conversations are informing my discussions with Cabinet colleagues, as well as with the Welsh Government.

[Nigel Huddleston]

Does the Secretary of State agree that we should not just focus on businesses as we leave the EU? We should also consider the implications for the third sector, charities, local authorities and universities in Wales.

[Alun Cairns]

My hon. Friend makes an extremely important point. I have already talked about my warm relationship with the Welsh Government, but of course the UK Government should also have a warm relationship with universities, charity groups and environmental groups, as well as with businesses directly in Wales. The Welsh Government have an important part to play, but we also have a direct relationship with those key stakeholders.