CEREDIGION MP Ben Lake MP will today outlined his party's key demands to guarantee a 'vibrant and viable' future for Wales's rural communities.

Ahead of a press conference at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show in Builth Wells this afternoon (Wednesday), Mr Lake said that the UK Government must meet three key criteria on funding, trade, and connectivity, if it is to quell fears that rural Wales will lose out considerably as a result of Brexit.

Mr Lake, Plaid Cymru Westminster spokesperson for rural affairs, said: "Since the vote to leave the European Union, Plaid Cymru has used every possible opportunity to speak up for rural Wales.

"As the negotiations to leave the EU proceed, the UK Government has shown little indication that it intends to champion our key industries and sectors. This is simply not good enough.

"Plaid Cymru wants the UK Government to guarantee a vibrant and viable future for Welsh farming and our wider rural communities.

"Uncertainty is toxic for the economy. That is why the UK Government must offer concrete assurances that ?rural Wales will not be a penny worse off as a result of Brexit.

"Secondly, it is vital that our farmers and producers will still be able to trade freely with our European neighbours through tariff-free access to the single market. Unlike the rest of the UK, Wales is a net exporter of goods to the EU. We are in a unique position and the UK Government must therefore give us unique consideration.

"Finally, with ?more and more infrastructure projects focusing on the economic growth of London and the South East, we need a renewed commitment from Westminster that they are serious about connecting our rural communities.

"The quality and reliability of mobile coverage, broadband and transport links are all too often a postcode lottery, which is simply unacceptable in the 21st century.

"These are practical, reasonable criteria that will test the UK Government's preparedness to treat rural Wales with fairness and respect. The onus is now on them to deliver."