Wales' first minister Eluned Morgan has been accused by her political rivals of lacking a voice in the UK government's negotiations with the European Union. On Monday the former Labour MEP welcomed the new deal struck between the UK and the EU, but said she would have liked "more discussion" with the UK government over fishing. In the Welsh Parliament, the Welsh Conservative's Darren Millar said Morgan did not "have a voice", while Plaid Cymru's Rhun ap Iorwerth said Sir Keir Starmer was treating Wales with "contempt". Morgan said the agreement was a "good deal for Wales" and that many issues raised by the Welsh government had been addressed in it. The agreement struck with the EU covers fishing, the ability of young people to move freely and defence,among other issues. It will see the two sides work on a joint food safety agreement which, if implemented, would reduce paperwork and ease checks. EU fishing vessels will also get 12 more years of access to UK waters. The National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations (NFFO) said it was "very disappointed" with the deal. On Monday Morgan, asked if the Welsh government had been consulted over the effect on fishing, said there had been talks but that she "would have liked more discussion". "We've had an idea of what's been going on the whole time but the detail wasn't finalised until the past few days," she said. Control of fishing is devolved to the Welsh government. In first minister's question time in the Senedd, Welsh Tory Senedd leader Millar said Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had "reopened the old Brexit battles that we have already fought and won and made some appalling announcements". "Let's be clear about what this deal means: free movement back, payments to the EU back, EU rules back, our fishing industry here in Wales betrayed, an unacceptable mobility scheme." He said the deal "will decimate our Welsh fishing industry" and accused Morgan of selling "our fishing industry down the river". In response to Millar, Morgan said: "I'll tell you what I do know is the Tories botched Brexit. "What we will see now is much better opportunities for jobs in this country because people will be able to export to the EU for the first time without that red tape that occurred before." Millar later added that the UK government "did not consult with this Welsh Labour government in spite of the fact that many parts of this deal are going to have an impact here". Morgan argued that the Welsh shellfish industry, "which is actually much greater than our fisheries industry sector, are very happy". "From now on, they will be able to export their goods to the continent without them sitting and waiting and having to fill in forms at the borders", she said. In his series of questions, Rhun ap Iorwerth said he was "pleased that there is some acceptance now of the harm of Brexit". But he said the deal was "not bold enough in its response". "Yes, the Tories did botch Brexit," he said, "but Labour also is botching its response to the Brexit damage." He said: "In yet another signal that Wales' voice matters little to UK Labour, the first minister has admitted... she was again side-lined." Morgan said: "It's really important for us to recognise that this is a good deal for Wales." She listed a number of issues, such as "bringing down export barriers", defence and issues around steel and youth movement that were "all on our list of things that we wanted to see" which she said had been "worked through with relevant" UK government departments. Describing herself as a "euro-enthusiast," Morgan said she was "gutted" that the UK left the EU, but wanted "as close as possible a deal with the European Union in order for our country and our nation to thrive". Ap Iorwerth accused Morgan of wavering from her belief the Welsh government would benefit from membership of the single market and the custom union. "We have a first minister who says she's a euro-enthusiast, but that's in words only," he said.
First minister accused of lacking say on EU deal
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Wales' First Minister Criticized for Limited Influence in UK-EU Negotiations"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Eluned Morgan, the First Minister of Wales, has faced criticism from political opponents regarding her perceived lack of influence in the recent negotiations between the UK government and the European Union. Following the announcement of a new deal between the UK and the EU, Morgan expressed her approval of the agreement, highlighting its benefits for Wales. However, she noted a desire for more discussions with the UK government, particularly regarding the impact on the fishing industry. Critics, including Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar and Plaid Cymru's Rhun ap Iorwerth, accused her of failing to adequately represent Welsh interests in the negotiations. Millar specifically claimed that the deal would lead to detrimental consequences for the Welsh fishing industry, while Morgan defended the agreement, asserting that it addressed many concerns raised by the Welsh government and would ultimately create better job opportunities by easing export processes to the EU.
The deal encompasses various key issues, including fishing rights, mobility for young people, and food safety regulations, with provisions that would allow EU fishing vessels continued access to UK waters for an additional 12 years. Despite Morgan's positive outlook, the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations expressed disappointment with the agreement. During a session in the Senedd, Morgan reiterated her stance, stating that while she had been kept informed throughout the negotiations, final details were only confirmed shortly before the deal was announced. Ap Iorwerth criticized the deal for not adequately addressing the challenges posed by Brexit, suggesting that both the Conservative government and Labour were not doing enough to protect Welsh interests. Morgan, identifying as a 'euro-enthusiast,' lamented the UK's departure from the EU but emphasized her commitment to securing a beneficial relationship with Europe for Wales.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the political tensions surrounding Wales' first minister Eluned Morgan and her response to the recent UK-EU deal. It reflects on the accusations from opposition parties regarding her perceived lack of influence in negotiations that affect Wales, particularly in the fishing industry. This situation reveals the ongoing complexities of Brexit and its implications for devolved governments in the UK.
Political Dynamics and Allegations
The criticism directed at Morgan stems from her political opponents who argue that she has failed to secure a strong position for Wales in the UK government's negotiations with the EU. Figures from the Welsh Conservative Party and Plaid Cymru have voiced their discontent, suggesting that Morgan's voice is not adequately represented. This framing serves to position her as ineffective, potentially swaying public opinion against her leadership.
Response to the Deal
Morgan's characterization of the deal as beneficial for Wales indicates a desire to reassure her constituents. However, her admission of wanting "more discussion" with the UK government signals a recognition of the complexities and sensitivities involved, particularly regarding fishing rights. The disappointment expressed by the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations further complicates her stance, as it highlights potential economic repercussions for Welsh fishermen, which could resonate negatively with the public.
Public Sentiment and Implications
By invoking terms like "betrayed" and "contagious contempt," the opposition aims to evoke strong emotional responses from the public, thus increasing pressure on Morgan. The framing of the deal as detrimental to the Welsh fishing industry suggests that the opposition hopes to rally support among fishermen and those concerned about local economies impacted by Brexit.
Comparative Analysis with Other News
This news piece fits into a broader context of political discourse surrounding Brexit, particularly how regional governments negotiate and articulate their interests. Similar articles often explore the implications of such deals on local economies and governance, making it a recurring theme in current UK political journalism.
Potential Economic and Political Consequences
The article signifies potential unrest within the fishing community, which could lead to broader economic implications if the industry feels neglected. Politically, these tensions may influence upcoming elections or votes within the Welsh Parliament, as public sentiment shifts based on the perceived effectiveness of their leaders in representing regional interests.
Target Audience and Support
This article likely resonates more with communities directly affected by fishing and Brexit, and those who prioritize local governance issues. It may aim to mobilize support among voters who feel their livelihoods are at stake due to perceived inadequacies in representation.
Market Reactions
While this specific news piece might not have immediate implications for stock markets, it could influence sectors tied to the fishing industry or regional investments. Companies operating within these domains may feel the effects of public sentiment as expressed through political discourse.
Global Context
The issues discussed in this article reflect broader themes of governance, regional autonomy, and international relations post-Brexit, making it relevant to ongoing global discussions about trade, sovereignty, and economic partnerships.
Use of AI in Article Composition
There is no clear indication that AI was used in the writing of this article. However, if AI were involved, it might have been utilized to analyze political trends or to generate language reflecting public sentiment. The framing choices and language could have been influenced by models designed to emphasize particular perspectives or narratives.
The article's overall reliability hinges on its sourcing and the balanced representation of Morgan's and her opponents' views. While it presents a legitimate political narrative, the emphasis on conflict could skew perceptions of Morgan's capabilities and the deal's impact.