Over 40 people attended Pembrokeshire for Europe’s successful open meeting at the Bloomfield Centre, Narberth on 19 September on the impact of Brexit on Pembrokeshire and West Wales. 3 distinguished speakers gave their perspectives: Edward Perkins (agriculture), Jeremy Percy (fishing) and Gwyn Evans (Pembrokeshire County Council’s preparations).
After the meeting, Alistair Cameron from Pembrokeshire for Europe said:-
“Welsh agriculture has benefited immensely from access to European Markets. If we leave the EU, particularly without a deal, our farmers could be subject to tariffs which could be as high as 40% for lamb. At the same time, we could be flooded with cheap food supplies from outside the EU which would drive many farmers out of business. This could be the worse agricultural crisis since before the Second World War.
“Before we joined the Common Market, many British and European seas were already overfished. Edward Heath paid little attention to fishing when we joined the Common Market and he negotiated a poor deal. Politicians promised that Brexit would help our fishing industry. We will see whether these promises come to fruition. However, we need to protect our seas from overfishing and we also need access to European markets.
“Pembrokeshire County Council is making preparations for the different scenarios, particularly with the Welsh Government. The devaluation of the pound and rising prices will affect the Council’s finances which are already under strain. Rising prices will hit those on the lowest incomes who are already suffering from austerity. The council is studying this to try to mitigate the impact. However, whatever action the council takes I believe those who are the most vulnerable will be hit the hardest by Brexit.
“Questions from the audience referred to the possibility of care homes closing due to rising prices and workforce costs. The Government’s document, Operation Yellowhammer, has highlighted the risk to British oil refineries due to the government stopping tariffs on oil imports (to stop petrol price rises) and the introduction of tariffs on oil exports if we have no deal. This could lead to the closure of 2 of Britain’s 6 refineries. Valero has stated that it is committed to its Pembrokeshire oil refinery but has warned of the risk to future investment.
In conclusion, I can see no tangible benefits from Brexit but plenty of risks.”
For further information, please contact Alistair Cameron on 07901 564616 or email pembrokeshire@walesforeurope.org You can also find us on Facebook or follow our Twitter account @Pembs4EU.
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