First Ministers of Scotland and Wales discuss Brexit

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones met in Cardiff earlier today where they confirmed their shared ambition to maintain full and unfettered access to the Single Market.

During talks after the British Irish Council Summit, Ms Sturgeon and Mr Jones also discussed ways in which the ambitions of Scotland and Wales can be fulfilled.

Both First Ministers also made clear that they will resist any attempts by the UK Government to undermine the devolution settlement. If and when EU regulatory frameworks in devolved policy areas cease to apply then it will be for the Devolved Administrations to decide if and how to develop UK wide frameworks with the UK government.

‎Speaking after the meeting, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:

"Today's meeting was another positive and useful opportunity to discuss some of the shared concerns both countries have around ‎the UK's exit from the European Union.

‎"Both Scotland and Wales have spoken loud and clear - Single Market status is simply the only way to protect the economy not only of Scotland and Wales respectively, but the UK as a whole. Anything else risks us falling off a hard-Brexit cliff edge, and we are united in our call to ensure the UK Government does all it can to ensure that happens

"I respect the different views and outcomes in our own countries, ‎and both the Scottish and Welsh governments are open to proposals from each other, bearing in mind the unique challenges faced in our respective countries. I welcome the continued dialogue that our countries can enjoy."

Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones added:

"This has been a constructive discussion where we have shared our very strong concerns over the prospect of the UK pursuing a hard Brexit.

"We will continue to work together to build a coalition in favour of the UK having full and unfettered access to the single market.

"We each face different situations in our own countries and it is for each of us to set out our favoured outcomes. Where we can work together to achieve those aims, we will continue to do so."