Welsh ministers 'intensifying' no-deal Brexit preparations

The Welsh Government will be "further intensifying" preparations for a no-deal Brexit because Theresa May is "failing to negotiate an acceptable" agreement, it has said.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said that it "would be a catastrophic failure" if the UK government failed to reach a Brexit deal with the European Union.

He met the PM alongside Scotland's Nicola Sturgeon on Wednesday.

Mrs May called for Welsh ministers "to get behind" the UK-EU plan.

On Tuesday, the UK government said 3,500 troops will be on standby to help with any potential Brexit disruption.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson told MPs in the House of Commons that the military personnel, including logisticians and engineers as well as infantry units, were ready to be deployed if needed.

His comments followed a decision by Mrs May's cabinet to approve £2bn to help if the Brexit deal is rejected by MPs and the UK leaves the EU on 29 March 2019 without an overall deal.

With many MPs opposed to her Brexit agreement with the EU, the prime minister has delayed a vote in the Commons on the deal until the week starting 14 January.

Mr Drakeford and Mrs May met at the Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC), which also included the Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Northern Irish officials.

It is Mark Drakeford's first meeting with Theresa May since being appointed to his new role.

The Welsh Government's no-deal planning is expected to focus on the NHS, particularly on the supply of medical equipment, and road connections to ports.

Mr Drakeford said: "There were parts of the meeting that certainly were constructive.

"We ended the meeting by talking about preparations for a no deal. I said yet again that that would be a disastrous outcome from a Welsh perspective.

"But as a responsible government we do everything we can to prepare for all contingencies."

He also said he would prefer another referendum rather than a no-deal Brexit. He added: "I think no deal is the most disastrous from a Welsh perspective.

"I would rather that (the) decision go back to people so they can pass their own verdict on the range of possibilities that might be in play at that time. But there are many things between here and there."

Before the JMC Mr Drakeford said: "We will be further intensifying our work to develop contingency plans.

"At my first cabinet earlier this week, I asked all my ministers to step-up engagement with our partners in Wales as we move into the new year.

"This will further shape our plans to prepare as much as we possibly can for a no deal outcome, including identifying areas for new investment to support preparation work."

Theresa May, who chaired the JMC meeting, said: "I am confident that what we have agreed delivers for the whole of the UK.

"This deal honours the result of the referendum - taking back control of our money, laws and borders, protecting jobs and livelihoods, and freeing the UK to strike new trade deals with countries around the world.

"That's why it is more important than ever that the devolved administrations get behind this deal and listen to businesses and industry bodies across all four nations who have been clear that it provides the certainty they need.

"From the Scottish Fishermen's Federation and Diageo, to Airbus and Manufacturing NI, business and industry right across the UK want to us to deliver this deal as it gives them the clarity and stability they need to protect jobs and living standards."

The Welsh Assembly has voted against the withdrawal agreement, but the vote does not effect the deal.

On Tuesday Plaid Cymru joined the SNP, the Liberal Democrats and the Greens in tabling a motion of no-confidence in the government.

Liz Saville Roberts said: "With Labour dithering and the Westminster government playing games, we had to step up to the plate."

It is unlikely that the motion would be discussed by MPs before Christmas.