​Written Assembly Questions tabled on 25 November 2016 for answer on 2 December 2016

R - Signifies the Member has declared an interest.
W - Signifies that the question was tabled in Welsh.

(Self-identifying question no. shown in brackets)

Written Questions must be tabled at least five working days before they are to be answered. In practice, Ministers aim to answer within seven/eight days but are not bound to do so. Answers are published in the language in which they are provided, with a translation into English of responses provided in Welsh.

To ask the First Minister

Steffan Lewis (South Wales East): What is the Welsh Government's position on the free movement of people within the EU? (WAQ71588)

Answer received on 23 October 2017

The First Minister (Carwyn Jones): Issues around inward migration featured in the debate leading up to the EU referendum along with a range of other factors, and the UK Government has signalled it intends to introduce further controls on this. We acknowledge the concerns expressed by some people around aspects of inward migration and we will participate constructively in discussions with the UK Government and other devolved governments on this subject, as well as engaging widely with stakeholders and people across Wales.
We do not, however, want to see controls introduced that would harm the economy, higher education or public services in Wales. We will not stand for any form of racism or xenophobia in Wales; we will tackle any unacceptable behaviour or comments head on. It is essential we remain outward looking, internationalist and pro-business, and our commitment to fairness and opportunity for all is undiminished.
Our view is that EU citizens working and living in Wales now should be able to remain here after the UK’s exit from the EU. We value the contribution that citizens of other countries living in Wales make to our economy, our public services and our communities.