What legal advice has the Counsel General provided to the Welsh Government regarding the implications of implementing a European strategy for the regulation of environmental protection, public health and food and the Internal Market Act?
The Welsh Government supports high standards of environmental protection, public health and food safety and continues to monitor relevant international developments, including the European Union, where these are relevant to devolved responsibilities in Wales.
The Welsh Government supports closer UK-EU cooperation and the negotiation of a Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary (SPS) Agreement to reduce trade barriers affecting Welsh producers. We are working closely with the UK Government to ensure Welsh interests are fully represented in ongoing negotiations.
Officials continue to assess the implications of the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020 (UKIMA) for devolved policy and legislation. Since July 2025, the UK Government has committed to broadening the factors considered when assessing proposed exclusions from the market access principles, including environmental protection and public health alongside economic impacts. Welsh Government officials continue to engage with counterparts across the UK on the operation of UKIMA and related exclusions processes.