First Minister's Brexit deal veto threat

Carwyn Jones is expected to say that he'll block any Brexit deal which doesn't give Wales full access to the European single market.

In his strongest comments yet since the referendum result, he'll also call for 'a more federal' United Kingdom to reflect what he says is the sovereignty of the four nations making up the UK.

Meanwhile the Plaid Cymru leader, Leanne Wood, is demanding that the First Minister holds out for full membership of the single market, not just access to it.

Carwyn Jones is expected to make his comments during a speech in Chicago as part of a week-long visit to the United States.

He'll tell the Chicago Council on Global Affairs that his 'goals for Wales' include 'securing Wales’ place in the European single market, reforming the UK as a more federal union of four sovereign peoples, and building stronger links with the United States, our oldest friend and ally.'

The First Minister is expected to say that, although he respects the result of June's referendum and the decision to leave the European Union, any future relationship between the UK and the EU must allow Wales full access to the single market.

When she came to Wales just after becoming Prime Minister in July, Theresa May said that the Welsh Government will be 'involved and engaged in the discussions we are having.

But Carwyn Jones has gone further, demanding a 'full and active rôle' and a veto on the final deal.

'Red line'

Meanwhile Plaid Cymru's Leanne Wood has also said that Wales should secure not just access to the single market but membership of it.

Speaking during a visit to Brussels, the Opposition Leader said that the Welsh Government should demand a veto on any deal reached between Theresa May and the European Union.

Break-up warning

Carwyn Jones is also expected to use his speech to demand big changes to the way that the United Kingdom is governed, calling for a 'more federal union of four sovereign peoples.'

He'll warn that unless such change happens, the UK is at risk of breaking up as a result of 'new tensions created by EU exit.'

The First Minister is due to deliver his speech to the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, Friday at 1800 BST.

'Unforgivable betrayal'

The First Minister is being criticised not just for his comments but also his decision to make them while on a trade visit to the U.S.

A senior UK Government figure told me that it was 'a massive breach of protocol' to criticise the government while on an overseas visit.

And Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies has also criticised the First Minister's decision.