Welsh Secretary Delivers Berry Smith Supported Annual Lecture

The Rt Hon Alun Cairns gives 5th Annual Lecture of The Forum at Cardiff Metropolitan University.

Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns has urged leaders from all sectors of Wales to keep seeking opportunities in Europe and beyond in spite of the Brexit result.

Mr Cairns made the call in The Forum’s fifth Annual Lecture. The Forum is a South Wales business and networking group sponsored by Berry Smith, and others.

He said: “We must all take a positive approach to make the most of the change Brexit will bring about.

Speaking at Cardiff Metropolitan University, Mr Cairns said it is time to think about Wales’ role in the wider world in “five to 10 years’ time”.

“There has never been a greater need for a stable, outward looking, international approach from Government, business and universities here in the UK.

“The Wales Bill currently going through Parliament is “the opportunity to move discussion forward from convoluted constitutional debates to actually talking about the issues that really concern people on the doorstep”.

Mr Cairns said that Wales always had a strong voice in the wider world through culture, industry and innovation and that: “The historic contribution of our country to the world, and the links with diaspora communities that continue today. I want to grow and strengthen these vital links across the globe.”

Mr Cairns concluded: “In this new post-Brexit world we have a tremendous opportunity, but also responsibility, to work together – UK Government, Welsh Government and the people of Wales – to deliver a future that works for everyone”.

  • The Forum is a South Wales business and networking group sponsored by Cardiff Metropolitan University, Kilsby Williams, Berry Smith, Santander and Effective Communication.