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| UK and EU: Carwyn Jones concern over referendum pledge | UK and EU: Carwyn Jones concern over referendum pledge |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| Uncertainty over Wales' European Union membership will create years of instability, First Minister Carwyn Jones has warned after David Cameron pledged an in/out referendum on the EU. | Uncertainty over Wales' European Union membership will create years of instability, First Minister Carwyn Jones has warned after David Cameron pledged an in/out referendum on the EU. |
| Mr Jones called it "an unwelcome distraction" that could affect inward investment and job opportunities. | Mr Jones called it "an unwelcome distraction" that could affect inward investment and job opportunities. |
| The Welsh Labour leader said it would also destabilise the future of the UK. | The Welsh Labour leader said it would also destabilise the future of the UK. |
| He spoke after the prime minister said a referendum will be held should the Conservatives win the next election. | He spoke after the prime minister said a referendum will be held should the Conservatives win the next election. |
| Mr Cameron said he wanted to renegotiate the UK's relationship with the EU, before giving a vote by the end of 2017 at the latest on accepting the result of the talks or leaving the union. | |
| Wales' ability to "influence and shape EU policies" will be hindered in the intervening years, according to the first minister. | Wales' ability to "influence and shape EU policies" will be hindered in the intervening years, according to the first minister. |
| Responding to the prime minister's long-awaited speech, Mr Jones said: "Uncertainty over our membership will create years of instability and marginalisation just at the time when both Wales and the UK need stability, growth and influence. | Responding to the prime minister's long-awaited speech, Mr Jones said: "Uncertainty over our membership will create years of instability and marginalisation just at the time when both Wales and the UK need stability, growth and influence. |
| "Such an uncertain future for the UK in Europe could put a brake on potential inward investors." | "Such an uncertain future for the UK in Europe could put a brake on potential inward investors." |
| The prime minister - who pledged to campaign "heart and soul" to stay within the EU - said it would be a decision on the UK's "destiny". | |
| But Mr Jones said the speech would have unwelcome "constitutional repercussions for the UK itself" and "plays into the hands of those who want to break up the United Kingdom". | |
| The first minister added that it "will have a destabilising effect on the future of the United Kingdom at a time when we can ill-afford it." | |
| Meanwhile Plaid Cymru warned that the benefits Wales enjoyed from EU membership were being put at risk by "the other parties playing political games". | |
| They point to a recently published party report which shows that Wales benefits by an average £40 a year per person from various sources of EU funding. | |
| Plaid MEP Jill Evans said: "We in Wales need EU funding to strengthen our economy, develop our infrastructure and create much needed jobs in our poorest areas. | |
| "Losing that support would be a major step backwards. Central to Wales' future is a positive and productive partnership with a European Union that provides support to its poorest areas." |