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Post-Brexit rules to be published on Wednesday would give the UK government power to spend on major infrastructure projects in Wales, such as the M4 relief road.
The £ 1.4bn plan to reduce congestion around the motorway in Newport has been rejected by the Welsh government and Mark Drakeford recently said the “decision is over” and people should move on.
But there are concerns that the Internal Market Bill released today (Wednesday 9 September) will give the UK government the power to move forward, provided it has the support of MPs and local authorities.
The internal market bill details what will happen as of January 1, when the UK’s transition period ends and the powers currently held by Brussels are repatriated.
It will mean expanding new powers for the administrations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the UK Government said.
However, spending powers on infrastructure, economic development, culture, sport and support for education, training and exchange opportunities will pass to the UK Government.
The Welsh Government said the bill is “an attack on democracy” that will “sacrifice the future of the union by stealing powers from delegated administrations”.
The Scottish Government Minister called it a “Westminster takeover”.
Plaid Cymru called it “the biggest assault on decentralization since its inception” and leader Adam Price said: “The UK government is denying Wales any new fiscal power (to solve our housing crisis, for example), but was empowered to fund projects in Wales (including the M4 Black Route) against Senedd’s wishes. “
He later added: “History can remember this as the day the return died.”
Last month, Prime Minister Mark Drakeford confirmed his stance on the M4 relief road, saying “that decision is over.”
Drakeford reiterated that the £ 1.3 billion project, which was shelved last year after years of delays and false starts, will not go ahead and will “focus on the alternatives” to solve major traffic problems in area.
But there are concerns that the bill is designed to replace the European Union rules and regulations that currently shape trade and investment relations here in Britain, it could transfer the decision to the UK government.
Ministers in London have argued that the new law is necessary to ensure a “level playing field” for businesses in the four UK nations. They say it will “protect trade and jobs across the UK by avoiding further burdens on businesses when the transition period ends.”
UK Business Secretary Alok Sharma said the legislation will protect the UK’s “highly integrated marketplace” by “ensuring that companies can continue to trade unimpeded throughout the UK after the transition period ends. and the EU law falls “.
He added: “Without these necessary reforms, the way we exchange goods and services between nations of origin could be seriously affected, damaging the way we do business within our own borders.”
“Now is not the time to create uncertainty for companies with new barriers and additional costs that would ruin our chances of economic recovery.”
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Simon Hart MP, Secretary of State for Wales says: “Our trade is overwhelmingly carried out with the rest of the UK and it is vital that it continues smoothly, safeguarding thousands of jobs in Wales. For all parts of the UK grow and prosper, products, ideas and investment must continue to flow unhindered. “
But Wales General Counsel Jeremy Miles, who said he was only briefed on Tuesday night, said it is now clear “that our concerns on behalf of the people of Wales have not been addressed.”
The EM added: “Let me be clear: the UK government plans to sacrifice the future of the union by stealing powers from delegated administrations. This bill is an attack on democracy and an affront to the people of Wales, Scotland and Ireland of the North, we have voted in favor of the return on numerous occasions. “
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