Boris Johnson heads to Wales amid clash with First Minister over 'catastrophic' no-deal Brexit
3 min read
Boris Johnson will continue his tour of the UK amid a clash with Wales's First Minister over a "catastrophic" no-deal Brexit.
The new Prime Minister has been warned by Mark Drakeford that he has "no mandate" to take Britain out of the EU without a deal, as Mr Johnson tries to reassure farmers that they can thrive after the UK quits the bloc.
Mr Johnson will visit a farm in South Wales to talk up the agricultural sector's "amazing" contribution to the economy and vow a "better deal" once the UK leaves the EU's Common Agricultural Policy.
"I will always back Britain’s great farmers and as we leave the EU we need to make sure that Brexit works for them," he said ahead of the visit.
"That means scrapping the Common Agricultural Policy and signing new trade deals – our amazing food and farming sector will be ready and waiting to continue selling ever more not just here but around the world," Mr Johnson added.
"Once we leave the EU on 31 October, we will have a historic opportunity to introduce new schemes to support farming – and we will make sure that farmers gets a better deal.
"Brexit presents enormous opportunities for our country and it’s time we looked to the future with pride and optimism."
But the trip comes as Mr Drakeford, who has led Welsh Labour since last year, warned the new PM to ditch his plan to take Britain out of the EU without a deal in October if he cannot negotiate changes to the Brexit withdrawal agreement.
The Welsh First Minister said: "My main message to the Prime Minister remains the same: he has no public mandate for a no-deal Brexit, which would be catastrophic for Wales.
"If the UK does leave the EU, the UK government must work in close partnership with the Welsh government to mitigate negative effects on Wales and its economy."
The pair will hold talks on Tuesday, with Number 10 saying Mr Johnson would update Mr Drakeford "on his government’s approach to Brexit negotiations".
Downing Street meanwhile talked up the Government's work to prepare farmers for a no-deal outcome, as Mr Johnson pushes to axe the Irish backstop from the current Brexit deal.
"Alongside the publication of guidance notices, the UK government is continuing to work closely with farmers, businesses and trade associations across the food and drink sector, from farm to fork, to keep them informed of EU exit preparations," Number 10 said.
POLL BOOST
The trip comes after a poll suggested the Tories had already enjoyed a bounce in support in Wales under Mr Johnson.
A study published by ITV News this week saw the party leap seven points to lead Labour 24% to 22% in the first study carried out since Mr Johnson took over as Conservative leader.
Mr Johnson's trip to Wales follows a visit to Scotland on Monday, which saw First Minister Nicola Sturgeon warn the new Prime Minister that he was taking the UK on an "almost inevitable path to a no-deal Brexit".
The Tory leader, who had earlier visited the Faslane naval base, was jeered by protesters as he walked to the front door of Bute House, Ms Sturgeon's official residence in Edinburgh.
After around an hour of talks, he then left by the back door in order to dodge the crowd still waiting outside.
Downing Street said the Prime Minister had made clear to the SNP leader that Brexit will happen on 31 October "come what may".
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