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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.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".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".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."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".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.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.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.""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."
David Cameron's announcement was welcomed by Eurosceptics who have long campaigned for a vote.
But the UK Independence Party (UKIP), whose poll ratings have been rising, questioned the likelihood of a referendum actually going ahead.
UKIP's Welsh MEP John Bufton said: "There is absolutely no guarantee that a referendum will happen at all. Whilst Prime Minister Cameron is talking about this now, it's at least five years down the line.
"I think people need to be absolutely clear here, that all Cameron is doing is kicking the can down the road."
Mr Bufton called on the prime minister to have the "guts" to call a referendum before the next general election.