Plaid Cymru MEP, Jill Evans, voiced her disappointment at the Welsh Government’s EU strategy which was launched today, calling it ‘unambitious’ and ‘unimaginative’. Ms Evans, who is President of Plaid Cymru, said the plans lacked vision.

Ms Evans commented,

"Engaging with Europe is clearly in the best interest of Wales because there is a wealth of opportunities and funds that the EU can offer us. But we need to start thinking about what is in the Welsh national interest. The Tory/Liberal Democrat government in Westminster is not representing our interests.

“The needs of Wales are different to those of the rest of the UK. If we are not speaking for ourselves in Europe, no- one else will do it for us. The Assembly is now a law making parliament but in terms of EU representation nothing has changed - the UK government speaks and votes on our behalf. This undermines our ability to build our economy, create sustainable jobs and develop our communities.

"We have to be bold and imaginative and take every possible opportunity to promote Wales. Plaid Cymru has concrete proposals to do that and I am working with colleagues to advance these ideas such as setting up information points in the Assembly and appointing a rotating Commissioner.

"Ultimately, of course, Plaid Cymru supports independence in the European Union to give Wales a vote in the all-important meetings of government ministers, its own Commissioner and more members of parliament who will be answerable directly to the people of Wales."

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