Andrew RT Davies Welsh Conservative Leader demands public apology from First Minister
Welsh Conservative Leader demands public apology from First Minister for “regrettable” and misleading Brexit claims
The Leader of the Welsh Conservatives – Andrew RT Davies – has written to the First Minister, Carwyn Jones, today following a series of misleading public comments by the Welsh Labour leader.
The First Minister has repeatedly misrepresented the Welsh Conservative leader’s position on Brexit for political purposes, and Mr Davies has demanded a full apology.
In the letter (attached) Mr Davies refutes repeated inaccurate comments by Carwyn Jones that the Welsh Conservatives have been unwilling to play a positive and constructive role in Wales’ Brexit strategy.
He has also published evidence of repeated offers of constructive support in shaping the post-Brexit landscape; all of which have been ignored.
The letter makes reference to an extended interview with Huw Edwards for the Wales Report, as well as repeated comments made during plenary sessions in the National Assembly.
During an interview with Huw Edwards for the Wales Report on Wednesday 25th January, the First Minister stated:
“At no time has he (Andrew RT Davies) said he wants to be part of a process to work out what the journey should be for Wales.”
Mr Davies’ letter strongly refutes the claims in the letter:
“I regret that your inability to reflect the truth in a televised interview has forced me to formally write seeking an apology for your actions, which have distorted my position.”
He has now published a copy of a text exchange, initiated by Mr Davies the morning after the referendum, in which he explicitly offers to “work with [the First Minister] to deal with the new landscape”.
The letter also refers to similar offers of support in the Senedd chamber (see letter).
A spokesman for the Welsh Conservatives said:
“Carwyn Jones’ refusal to engage across the political spectrum has been deeply regrettable.”
“Welsh Conservatives have been steadfast in our commitment to playing a positive and constructive role in shaping the next steps for Wales.
“Those offers date back to the morning of the referendum result itself, and the First Minister’s recent comments have wilfully misled the public.
The Welsh Conservatives have repeatedly been rebuffed in our attempts to forge a cross-party approach to Brexit and the First Minister must now apologise, in particular for comments made during his recent Huw Edwards interview.”
SEE LETTER IN FULL – ATTACHMENT BELOW
