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Finance ministers meet to discuss impact of Brexit vote

Scottish finance secretary Derek Mackay and Welsh finance secretary Mark Drakeford with the north's finance minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir
Scottish finance secretary Derek Mackay and Welsh finance secretary Mark Drakeford with the north's finance minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir Scottish finance secretary Derek Mackay and Welsh finance secretary Mark Drakeford with the north's finance minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir

THE north's finance minister and his Scottish and Welsh counterparts have pledged to fight Westminster austerity measures resulting from Brexit.

Máirtín Ó Muilleoir met Scottish finance secretary Derek Mackay and Welsh finance secretary Mark Drakeford in Cardiff on Monday.

They are seeking an urgent meeting with Chancellor George Osborne in a bid to avoid further public spending cuts or savings and protect EU funding.

The devolved ministers said: "We are determined to act resolutely to protect the interests of all our people, especially against further austerity policies that might be considered as a consequence of the referendum result.

"This is particularly relevant in the context of the majority vote in both Scotland and the north of Ireland to remain within the EU."

They urged the British government to take the opportunity provided by the referendum to think again about its economic and fiscal policy.

"It is essential we assure potential investors, the business community and those in receipt of European funding that we will endeavour to put in place the necessary measures to safeguard our interests; and certainty on future budgets will underpin those assurances.£

The ministers sought clarification on reported plans to reduce some spending by a further £3.5 billion in 2019-20.

Mr Ó Muilleoir said it was vital the interests of people across the devolved administrations were protected and that ministers worked together on areas of common interest.

"Together we are seeking assurances from the Westminster government around budgets and that the levels of current significant EU investment will be sustained," he said.

"Obviously the potential economic impact on the border region in the north of Ireland, which has greatly benefited from European funding, is of particular concern."

Mr Mackay said: "We remain unclear on the likely impact of Brexit on UK government finances, and we are already seeing the UK government suggest changes to future spending plans as well as considerable concern over the economy and investment levels.

"The devolved administrations need urgent answers from the UK government on the impact that the Brexit vote could have on future budgets, and that is why it is crucial that we meet with Mr Osborne imminently."

Mr Drakeford said the impact of Brexit on the UK's finances would feed into devolved budgets.

"Today's meeting gave us an opportunity to come together to share our concerns and to explore how we can speak with one voice in our talks with Westminster," he said.

"That is why we have written to the Chancellor requesting a meeting to raise our collective concerns and to seek assurances for our people, communities and businesses."