During this assignment we will explore how current political landscape in both Europe and the UK influences Wales’s’ devolved government and whether the influences have a positive or negative affect on Wales’s government, We will begin by defining the term devolution in order to provide us with a better understanding of what the term ‘devolution’ means and what it means for Wales, Continuing with a debate of both stay and leave campaigns along with the benefits and negative effects to the UK and Wales as a whole. There will also be brief mentions of article 50, several relevant reports of legislation and the proposals set to take place post Brexit ending with a short conclusion. 
Devolution typically entails of the power that is transferred from the UK parliament in London and to other smaller assemblies across the UK, for example Cardiff, Belfast, and Edinburgh (BBC News, 2010) Within devolution the main aspect is power transfer, there are a wide range of different powers that can be transferred across the different assemblies, each assembly has different powers which they are entitled to. Both Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have the power of education, health and the environment, In Scotland however the main and major devolved power consists of justice, policy and court services, a complete opposite approach to Wales’s assembly, as their devolved power consists of the local government alone. (BBC News, 2010) Welsh Ministers have the power and the privilege of making a wide range of decisions and can create secondary legislation as well as taking any other act when required to further the ‘economic, social and environmental well-being’ of Wales to improve the future of Wales. (Welsh Government, 2017)
Brexit is defined in simpler terms as ‘The UK leaving the EU’ (BBC News, 2017) Before we begin to establish how the political landscape between Europe and the UK is affecting Wales devolved government we need to determine why and what is happening currently between both Europe and the UK, to help give us a better understanding of how these changes will impact on Wales, its community and its economic status. So, what is currently happening politically between Europe the UK? With the UK voting to leave the EU there are three main questions that need to be addressed before we leave the EU in March 2019, the first issue is how much do the UK owe the EU? How will Irelands boarder be effected and finally what will be the impact on UK citizens living elsewhere in Europe as well as any European citizens existing in the UK (The Guardiam, 2017)
With the current continuing Brexit negotiations many argue that Brexit has happened because of capitalism (Washington blog, 2016) Thousands of commuters have voiced their opinion and believe there are several reasons why Brexit has occurred as a result of capitalism, they claim that ‘The current global version of Capitalism is characterized by these overlapping dynamics’ (Smith, C, 2016) They strongly trust these dynamics have caused the issues attached to Brexit, Once dynamic is replacing local democracy and ownership with central planning, along with replacing investment in the real world productivity.
The first official Brexit negotiation started on June the 19th 2017 where both UK and EU negotiators met to discuss the three main issues mentioned above, Before leaving the EU however an agreement needs to be signed by all EU states, The agreement goes by the name of article 50, Article 50 consists of a plan which needs to be signed by any country who wishes to exit the EU, the article consist of five short paragraphs, all five paragraphs outline any rule or regulation which must be carried out by all state members when leaving the EU. (BBC News, 2017)
The first paragraph warns any EU state member who wishes to leave the EU to notify the EU council and discuss their withdrawal reasoning, the second paragraph states that members should then have a minimum of two years to reach an agreement prior to the withdrawal, unless every state induvial agrees to increase the time frame to do so, and finally the state who is departing should not participate in any European  discussions regarding its venture. (BBC News, 2018) 
Now that the UK have chosen to leave the EU there are set to be many changes to the political landscape between both regions, One main change set to effect the UK post Brexit are the new immigration laws, The UK are set to face major border changes as immigration checks are set to soar to a record high, The independent claim that boarder officials could struggle to cope once departed from the EU due to custom controls being claimed to have increase by a huge 360%, whilst immigration checks are set to rise by 230% (The independent, 2017) A document for future border arrangements show that all EU citizens will need to show a travel document when entering the UK as a way of showing their identify and nationality however all other nationalities must show a valid passport. (The guardian, 2017) Like the new immigration laws, the UK will also ‘strengthen their ability to refuse entry to EU citizens with a criminal record or whose who consider a threat to the UK’ (Th guardian, 2017) 
Alike the UK the effects of Brexit will also have an effect on EU, However this effect will be extremely minimum compared to the effects left on the UK, Many argue that the UK leaving the EU will only cause the UK more negative effects where as the EU will manage just fine, in fact the EU will be at an advantage due to billions of pounds being invested into the UK each year and therefore separating from the UK will allow the EU to save billions each year (The telegraph, 2017) The only downfall however would be the vote could possibly strengthen the anti- immigration parties through Europe meaning that in the future it could possibly lead to both France and Germany running an anti Eu vote if the parties were to gain enough ground. (The balance, 2016) 
Now that we have established the changes and current political landscape between the UK and the EU we can begin to look at how and if the changes made to the UK and EU post Brexit will influence Wales devolved government. The government of Wales act 2006 allows the Welsh assembly the power to make their own laws within certain fields, because of the act the Welsh assembly have the right to make laws regarding, historic buildings, the welsh language, sport, antient monuments and country planning. (BBC News, 2010)
Not only has Brexit effected the UK and Europe, Brexit has also had a dramatic effect on Wales, in recent years political negotiations have been reported via a wide range of media sources, concerning these negotiations there has been both negative and positive aspects, one major issue being repeatedly reported is the effect that the current political landscape is having on Wales’s devolved government. As a result, many reports conducted by media sources like BBC news for example have a range of opinions as to why Wales voted to leave the EU, and how doing so will affect the future political landscape of Wales. 
Leaving the EU posted many positive and negative changes to both Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, however many are left confused as to why Wales voted to leave the EU, across media sources there are many different reports and articles debating Wales’s decision to leave the EU, many have very strong views on why leaving the EU will have a devastating influence on Wales’s political landscape, others trust that staying in the EU will have great benefits for Wales in the long run. Wales online and the western Mail are just two media sources who trust that Wales future would be a far better one by remaining in the EU (Wales Online, 2016).
A report conducted by Wales online outlined nine reasons why Wales would have benefited from remaining in the EU. The first reason why Wales would have benefited from remaining in the EU would be the risk to jobs in the next decade, as well as a risk to the livelihoods of thousands of families, the national Institute of Economic and Social Research report that low income families would be at a loss of an estimated £5000 each ear less in tax credits if we were to leave the EU. By voting to leave the EU we would be denying future generations of the freedom they have, Young people in Wales are able to work across the EU, anywhere they chose, By leaving the EU we have taken away that opportunity, instead of freedom future generations would face a future of work permits, immigration hurdles and many more work related obstacles, the last reason why wales should have stayed in the EU is that the EU offers several programmes which benefit Wales, The report shows that each year Wales receive an estimated £396 million  in structural funds for Wales most deprived areas, as well as receiving £260 million through the common agricultural policy, not only does this money go to the most deprived areas in Wales it also helps improve both rail and road transport among several regions, Many fear that by leaving the EU we will lose a huge amount of funding meaning that many social and economic challenges within Wales’s most deprived areas will be at a decline  (Wales online, 2016) 
On the other hand, many consider that leaving the EU would have been the best option, many argue that leaving the EU would result in huge cost saving for the whole of the UK since we will not contribute to the European funds (The Week, 2017) Reports from the BBC show that in 2016 alone the UK paid a shocking £13.1 billion and received a sum of £4.5 billion worth of spending meaning that the UK’S net contribution was at a total of £8.5 billion.(BBC Wales, 2016) The office for national statistics stated that there are an estimate of 791,000 western Europeans and 2.93 workers outside the EU working and living in the UK, brexiters strongly believe that immigration should and needs to b dramatically cut in Britain allowing us to ‘regain control of our boarders’ finally those of the leave campaign the EU consider departing from the EU would allow Wales to re-establish itself and be a self-governing state with relations to the rest of the world, relying on no other country but themselves.  
An online report led by Wales online implies the change in political landscape in both the UK and EU will have a profound effect on Wales and its culture, ‘Rural Wales in under threat’ states the article, Welsh communities fear that the effects of Brexit will have a serious effect on welsh agriculture and rural communities in several regions across Wales,  The report revels that those of hill farming and sheep farming backgrounds will notice a dramatic change after Brexit, as they are partially dependant on the EU’s funding and as a result those who contribute positive to welsh language and culture will be at a tremendous risk due to funding cuts. (Wales Online, 2017) 
 Not only will leaving the EU affect welsh language and culture but it will have a tremendous effect on welsh economy, BBC report that ‘Wales has had an estimated £4 billion in structural funding from the EU since 2000 according to the welsh government’ (BBC News, 2016) meaning that wales rely and depend on the EU for a huge amount of funding and investment, The report states that Wales has one of the greatest level of economic support from the EU since the year 2000 as a result of it being one of the most deprived areas in the EU. (BBC News, 2016) Meaning leaving the EU would put Wales at a huge economic disadvantage. 
As well as economic loss through funding and investment, ‘Wales most at risk from hard Brexit’ says think tank (BBC News, 2017) Hundreds of companies in Wales ship transfers overseas to Europe,  Ford plant in Bridgend is just one of many firms who would see a dramatic difference in sales after Brexit, With an estimate of  60% of transfers from Wales being shipped to the EU Wales would be the greatest affected nation, Not only would Brexit affect Wales’s trade it would also affect economic growth, The report states that Wales was one of a minority to receive over £1 billion in structural funds from the EU set to end in 2020. One advantage however is that the report states that only 4% of workers from wales come from outside the EU compared to a much higher rate of 16% of workers coming from outside the EU in London. 
Again the vote to leave the EU will not only affect welsh culture, language and deprived areas in wales it will also have a profound effect on small business across Wales, a report conducted by the guardian claim that each year more than 5000 people in Wales are supported by a Cardiff based charity set up to help those who are homeless and vulnerable in Wales, The Wallich runs an estimated 70 small schemes across Wales offering warm meals, shelter, food, educational opportunities, and funding to the homeless people of Cardiff, these services provide individuals with the opportunity of getting a job, a home, helping them regain their confidence and independence. The wallich is just one of many charities in Wales who rely and get a great amount of their funding from the EU, With this in mind there are major concerns as to what will happen to the charities funding when the UK leave the EU, Local business in Wales on the other hand will now be eligible to receive support from the ‘social business growth fund’ once the UK leaves the EU, the social business growth is one of two business funded support schemes that businesses are eligible to claim, the new scheme will provide a huge £136 million backed by £76 million of EU funds, this will ensure investments for businesses across Wales ensuring a vital source of funding and investment to boost and strengthen Wales’s economy one departed from the EU. (The Guardian, 2017)
With regards to how the current political landscape in the EU and the UK will effect Wales devolved government, the Welsh government will ensure that any law that is commanded by the UK government aught to be built in a way that restricts EU law into UK law at the point of our venture from the EU, The UK governments white paper suggested that there should be a discussion with all devolved managements to recognise common frameworks and where they need to be retained in the future, what these frameworks should be and where these frameworks should cover, Among the debate to leave or remain in the EU Wales were given the opportunity to escape EU policy, though many argued leaving the EU would leave Wales in an arguably worse state of devolution than before, In order to protect the welsh governments devolved interests, The Pontypridd AM has stated a number of key concerns he has as the Brexit date nears, He trusts that the UK government will not take into consideration welsh culture and welsh language, Mr Antroniw argues that in the events of the upcoming Brexit cooperation welsh government must not take sole responsibility for passing international trade deals which will likely have a major effect on the welsh farming trade, As well as concern over a loss in welsh farming trade he urges UK council minster to solve challenges between the governments in Cardiff, Northern Ireland, Scotland and London (Wales Online, 2017)
Carwyn Jones Wales’s first minister recently published a ‘Regional Investment’ report which includes a set of proposals which are aimed at securing Wales’s future post Brexit, Through the history of welsh devolution there has been one main big issue on the agenda dating from the early 20s the welsh government have established the key to a thriving trade rate comes from partnerships with the EU along with the help of the EU structural funds that has been invested into Wales for a number of ages, With the help of structural funds it has helped halve the gap in economic sedentary rates between wales and the UK since 2011, With that in mind the ‘regional investment report’ states seven objectives aimed at safeguarding Wales’s future once departed from the EU (Welsh government, 2017)
The first objective is developing strategies for the areas of Wales led by partnerships involving local establishments, businesses and communities in designated areas, the next objective stated in the report is to focus reginal investment in the areas which are most disadvantaged and most in need of economic support and guidance instead of investing in the areas which is advised according to n artificial map of Wales, the final most important objective is for the UK government to replace the £370 million needs bases EU funds that is currently allocated to Wales’s regional development (Welsh Government, 2017) In order to secure a optimistic, professional working relationship with the UK government post Brexit, the UK resist any attempt to centralise  regional development, in case of any altercation with the UK government with regards to regional investment the report states that any regional investment decision should continue to be completed by the Welsh government. (Welsh government, 2017) 
Contributing from the report outlining Wales’s priorities as we prepare to leave the EU, Carwyn Jones went on to publish a series of further documents extending the debate ‘Brexit and fair movement of people’ The most recent document policy outlines proposals on how immigration between the EU and the UK should be achieved after Brexit, The document states it would allow individuals from the EU to continue to come to Wales for work purposes if they have previously worked in or seek to work in Wales, The second proposal sets out the ways in which exploitation of workers can be overcome by the enforcement of a stronger UK government system which would enforce legislation, along with a range of Welsh Government actions which would support and guide stronger employer fulfilment. (Welsh Government, 2017) The welsh government hope that by using this policy approach it will allow both Wales and the UK to benefit from migration, The Welsh government claim that their policy would be fair to all EU citizens who have already worked and lived in wales and for individuals who have contributed greatly to welsh economy and society.
Though there are many problems set to arise in Wales after Brexit regional development is one main concern for the welsh government, currently Wales receive a staggering quantity of around £370 million a year from EU investment, this investment is critical for waleses economy, society and community due to the investment supporting some of wales poorest most deprived areas as well as helping individua’s who are struggling with employment not forgetting the communities and businesses who need additional support, 
Brexit is currently one of the major issues within the general election, However the different opinions of political parties are making talk for debate, The conservative party initially voted to stay in Europe however with some thought and consideration conservative leader Theresa may quoted ‘Brexit is Brexit’ (BBC News, 2017) and therefore is now voting for, decide against leaving the EU, Theresa May outline several key elements for the Brexit negotiations, these elements consisted of leaving EU taxes and pursing a updated customs contract, keeping each and every employment right currently guaranteed by the EU, Also  longer be bound to EU laws, quitting all EU single market deals by seeking free comprehensive trade deals from around the world and finally, The conservative party have promised to hear the opinions and voices of those in Scotland, Ireland and Wales. Though Theresa Mays approach is backed by many conservative supporters the movement has brought anger and upset by the 48% of individuals who wanted to stay in the EU. (BBC News, 2017)
Unlike the conservative party initially campaigned against Brexit but like the conservative party with some negotiation they are now aspiring for a "close new relationship with the EU" (BBC News, 2017). The labour party also voted against Brexit in the referendum, Like the conservatives the labour party outlines several requests for the upcoming Brexit negotiations, labour demanded that the rights of all existing workers, the rights of consumers and environmental protection rights were protected, as well as protecting the rights of consumers the labour party also aim for a tariff free access to all EU single markers leaving the choice of the customs union on the table. Following the referendum, most of labour supporters voted to remain in the EU, although most individua’s supported the decision of the labour party and voted to leave the EU. (BBC News, 2017) 
To conclude, Leaving the EU will bring both positive and negative affects to both Wales and the UK, By researching and studying both for and against arguments It is clear to see that leaving the EU will cause more anguish and negativity for Wales rather than be beneficial, The loss in regional investment funded by the EU will leave Wales and their poorest communities at a great disadvantage, not only will leaving the EU  negatively affect welsh economy but also the welsh culture and language, as stated in the essay departing from the EU will cause welsh farmers especially those of hill and sheep to suffer greatly due to most of their profit coming from the EU and therefore leaving the EU will come with more negative than positive effects for Wales and its culture.
References
BBC News. (2010). Devolution: A beginner's guide. Available: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/election_2010/first_time_voter/8589835.stm. Last accessed 11th Jan 2017. 
 BBC News. (2017). General election 2017: Where UK's parties stand on Brexit. Available: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-39665835. Last accessed 11th Jan 2017.
BBC News. (2017). Wales most at risk from hard Brexit, says think tank. Available: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-39405561. Last accessed 11th Jan 2017.
Dickins, S. (2016). Where does Brexit vote leave Welsh economy? Available: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-36619404. Last accessed 11th Jan 2017.
Hunt, A and Wheeler, B. (2018). Brexit: All you need to know about the UK leaving the EU. Available: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-32810887. Last accessed 11th Jan 2017 
Pay, A. (2016). What does Brexit mean for business funding in Wales? Available: https://www.theguardian.com/small-business-network/2016/nov/11/what-brexit-mean-business-funding-wales. Last accessed 11th Jan 2017.
Smith, C. (2016). Brexit and the crisis of capitalism. Available: http://www.washingtonsblog.com/2016/07/brexit-crisis-capitalism.html. Last accessed 11th Jan 2017.
The Guardian. (2017). Post-Brexit immigration: 10 key points from the Home Office document. Available: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/ng-interactive/2017/sep/05/post-brexit-immigration-10-key-points-from-the-home-office-document. Last accessed 11th Jan 2017.
The Week. (2017). Brexit: What are the pros and cons of leaving the EU. Available: http://www.theweek.co.uk/brexit-0. Last accessed 11th Jan 2017. 
Wales Online. (2016). Nine reasons why Wales will be better off if we vote to stay in the EU. Available: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/politics/nine-reasons-wales-better-vote-11457573. Last accessed 11th Jan 2017. 
Welsh Government. (2017). Brexit and Devolution Securing Wales’ Future. Available: https://beta.gov.wales/sites/default/files/2017-06/170615-brexit%20and%20devolution%20%28en%29.pdf. Last accessed 11th Jan 2017. 
Welsh Government. (2017). Written Statement - Brexit and Fair Movement of People. Available: http://gov.wales/about/cabinet/cabinetstatements/2017/brexitmigrationpolicy/?lang=en. Last accessed 11th Jan 2017.  
Welsh Government. (2017). Written Statement - Brexit and Fair Movement of People. Available: http://gov.wales/about/cabinet/cabinetstatements/2017/brexitmigrationpolicy/?lang=en. Last accessed 11th Jan 2017.
Welsh Government. (2017). Written Statement - Regional Investment in Wales after Brexit. Available: http://gov.wales/about/cabinet/cabinetstatements/2017/regional/?lang=en. Last accessed 11th Jan 2017.
Williamson, D. (2017). These are the major concerns' the Welsh Government's top legal adviser has about the impact of Brexit. Available: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/politics/major-concerns-welsh-governments-top-13785198. Last accessed 11th Jan 2017.
Williamson, D. (2017). Why is Wales at risk of being profoundly affected by the impact of Brexit. Available: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/politics/wales-risk-being-profoundly-affected-13348425. Last accessed 11th Jan 2017.