Farming Sector David Rutley (Macclesfield) (Con) 1. What
discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Environment,
Food and Rural Affairs on the priority that will be accorded to the
farming sector during negotiations on the UK leaving the EU.
[908389] The Minister of State, Department for Exiting the European
Union (Mr David Jones) ...Request free trial
Farming Sector
-
(Macclesfield)
(Con)
1. What discussions he has had with the Secretary of State
for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on the priority
that will be accorded to the farming sector during
negotiations on the UK leaving the EU. [908389]
-
The Minister of State, Department for Exiting the European
Union (Mr David Jones)
We fully recognise the importance of the farming sector. In
leaving the EU, we have the opportunity to take the British
farming sector forward and to ensure that it thrives. As
highlighted recently by my right hon. Friend the Secretary
of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, we will
no longer be bound by EU rules and will consequently be
able to design an agricultural system that works for us.
-
Although Brexit may create some uncertainties in the short
term, it will open up exciting new markets and new
opportunities in trade for British farmers and for food and
drink manufacturers across the country. What steps are the
Government taking to help the sector to seize those
opportunities?
-
Mr Jones
My hon. Friend is right. The food and drink sector is the
largest manufacturing sector in the country, and there are
huge opportunities to be seized. The Government have
addressed that through the creation of the Department for
International Trade, which is working closely with the
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on a
plan to boost our food and drink exports by almost £3
billion over five years.
-
(Wakefield) (Lab)
UK farmers face a triple jeopardy from Brexit, with the
loss of common agricultural policy subsidies, potential new
tariffs on currently tariff-free trade with the EU, and the
prospect of trade deals with bigger countries such as the
US flooding the UK with cheaper imports that have lower
food safety and animal welfare standards. The Secretary of
State said that he would do everything necessary to protect
the City of London. Can the Minister give the same
assurances to UK farmers and farming businesses, which make
up 25% of UK businesses?
-
Mr Jones
The hon. Lady is right that the farming sector is extremely
important. The Government have already put in place
measures to ensure that the current level of EU funding is
protected until 2020, the end of the multi-annual financial
framework period. Furthermore, I think that she should have
more confidence in the sector. British agriculture produces
some of the finest products in the world, and I have no
doubt that the arrangements that are put in place will
ensure that they continue to thrive in the international
market.
-
Mr (Harwich and North
Essex) (Con)
May I ask my right hon. Friend how the Government will
approach the regulations and directives that will be
created and implemented between now and the date we leave
the European Union? We probably have no intention of
keeping those regulations or directives, such as the ban on
glyphosate. The National Farmers Union is very clear that
that measure will be very damaging to British agriculture.
Will we have to implement it before we leave?
-
Mr Jones
The Government have made it absolutely clear that, until
the date of our departure, we will continue to play a full
part in the European Union, which does mean observing all
the regulations that are implemented. The great repeal Bill
will absorb the body of EU law into British law. Once we
have left the European Union, we will be in a position to
review all that legislation and take the decisions that are
best for British agriculture.
-
(Kilmarnock and Loudoun)
(SNP)
At this moment in time, the UK Government are withholding
nearly £200 million of convergence uplift money that is
meant to go to Scottish farmers. Does the Minister agree
that the Government should pass that on to Scottish farmers
to ensure that they will not be left even more high and dry
if there is a hard Tory Brexit?
-
Mr Jones
I do not recognise that description. The British Government
are engaging extremely closely not only with the Scottish
Government, but with the Scottish farming unions. I can
assure the hon. Gentleman that, whatever deal we do, it
will be in the interest of Scotland as much as the rest of
the United Kingdom.
-
(North East
Bedfordshire) (Con)
Some studies on the future of agricultural policy, such as
a recent one by the Centre for Policy Studies, rather
downplay the importance of food security. Will my right
hon. Friend reassure the House that food security remains
at the top of the Government’s agenda? A shock to the
system could completely destroy existing trading links and
leave the country in a very vulnerable position.
-
Mr Jones
My right hon. Friend makes an extremely important point.
British agricultural standards are among the highest in the
world, and I assure him that the Government will do nothing
to jeopardise the reputation that British farming enjoys.
-
(Neath)
(Lab/Co-op)
Almost 40% of EU funds are spent on the common agricultural
policy, so it is clear that supporting farming is a central
aim of the European Union. Will the Minister comment on the
schemes that the Government are considering as replacements
for the CAP to reflect the importance of farming to the UK?
-
Mr Jones
The hon. Lady will know that the Government have already
guaranteed the current level of CAP funding until 2020. I
assure her that the Government will make sure that the
interests of agriculture are at the very forefront of our
calculations. British agriculture is a huge asset to this
country, and we intend to protect it.
UK-EU Relationship
-
(Bristol West)
(Lab)
2. When he plans to publish the Government’s plan for the
UK’s relationship with the EU after the UK has left the EU.
[908390]
-
The Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union (Mr
David Davis)
I ask the House to forgive my voice. It is just wear and
tear, not emotion.
The Prime Minister’s speech set out a comprehensive plan
that includes all our central negotiating objectives. She
confirmed yesterday that we will publish the plan in a
White Paper. It will answer key questions that have been
asked on our approach to the single market, the customs
union and the type of trading relationship we are seeking.
It will be widely welcomed as a serious and ambitious
vision of a new, positive and constructive partnership for
Britain and the European Union that will be good for
Britain and good for the rest of Europe.
-
I thank the Secretary of State for that answer, but will he
please explain to the aerospace industry, the health
service, the universities and other major employers in my
constituency, which account for thousands of jobs, how they
should have confidence in this country’s ability to
negotiate beneficial trade deals when we have barely any
specialist trade negotiators and we have had no experience
of negotiating trade agreements for decades?
-
Mr Davis
It does not help the hon. Lady’s own industries, which are
very important, if she talks them down. Let me say to the
Opposition that it is not only the Government who think
this deal is eminently achievable. Just recently, a former
EU trade commissioner said that the trade deal between the
UK and EU can be done in a “very reasonable” period of
time—[Interruption.] Let me get to the point. He said:
“I am reading everywhere that it takes five, six,
seven…years to do a trade negotiation… Yes that’s true—but
it’s not for technical reasons, it’s because you can’t get
an agreement. Technically you could make an agreement
within a very reasonable period of time because we know
each other.”
The point he was making is that there is not a technical
constraint, and there are quite enough negotiators in
Whitehall to do the job we are talking about.
-
Mr (Hitchin and
Harpenden) (Con)
Will the White Paper highlight the words of article 50,
which says that the Union must
“negotiate and conclude an agreement…taking account of the
framework for its future relationship”
with the UK? It is therefore impossible to start
negotiations unless one has an outline agreement on what
that framework should be. Only two frameworks are possible—
a continuation of free trade, or a move to trading on most
favoured nation terms. Will we press our partners to
clarify that right at the beginning of the negotiations?
-
Mr Davis
We already have done. In my one meeting with Mr Barnier, he
talked about a sequential approach, which does not seem
practical to me. It really is not possible to reach an
outcome on either of the negotiations without a clear idea
of the trade aspect of the negotiations. My right hon.
Friend’s description is pretty accurate. I have said in
terms that we intend all of this to be concluded within the
two years.
-
(Leeds Central)
(Lab)
The Government say they want nothing further to do with the
European Court of Justice but, as the Secretary of State
well knows, in any new free trade agreement with the 27
member states there will have to be a legal arbitration
mechanism whose rulings we will be obliged to implement. If
the European Court of Justice is not acceptable, what court
would be?
-
Mr Davis
It would not necessarily be a court. The right hon.
Gentleman is quite right that most
international—[Interruption.] Listen to the answer. Most
international trade agreements have an arbitration
mechanism, and that mechanism is normally preceded by a
mediation mechanism, which is used more often. In the case
of the Canada arbitration mechanism, for example, three
people—one from each side and one neutral—are appointed by
agreement. It is a fall-back if agreement cannot be
reached, and it is a simple arbitration mechanism. There is
all the difference in the world between a simple
arbitration mechanism and a Court that reaches into every
nook and cranny of your society.
-
(Broxtowe) (Con)
I very much thank the Secretary of State for the part that
I know he played in securing the White Paper, which has
been welcomed across the House and is good news. Will he
now tell us when it might be published and how much time
this place will have to debate it?
-
Mr Davis
Of course, the decision to publish the White Paper was a
decision solely of the Prime Minister, but it is nice to be
able to agree with myself from six months ago. On the
timing, the Prime Minister said yesterday that it would be
published in due course. We will be as expeditious as we
can, but it takes time. My right hon. Friend has been in
government, and she knows that there is a procedure for
these things and it takes time, but we will not waste time
in producing it for the House.
-
(North East Fife)
(SNP)
I hope that the Secretary of State gets his voice back
because he will need it over the next couple of weeks. Does
he think that we should be able to see the White Paper
before we consider legislation?
-
Mr Davis
With respect to the hon. Gentleman, those are slightly
separate issues. There will be lots of legislation. I
assume—I will look at him to see whether he nods—that he is
referring to the article 50 legislation.
-
indicated assent.
-
Mr Davis
He is. The article 50 legislation is about carrying out the
will of the British people—the decision was taken on 23
June. There will be much more legislation after that, which
will relate to policy, the maintenance of European law.
There will be the great repeal Bill, but also other new
primary legislation arising from all that. The White Paper
will certainly be before all that and, as I said, I will be
as expeditious as possible.
-
Mr Speaker, you will be aware of how helpful the House of
Commons website is. It says:
“White Papers are policy documents produced by the
Government that set out their proposals for future
legislation.”
Given that article 50 is a significant piece of legislation
and this House deserves to scrutinise it, will the
Secretary of State commit to publishing the White Paper
before the Committee stage—I will give him next week, but
before the Committee stage?
-
Mr Davis
As I said, we will be as expeditious as we can. However, I
reiterate that article 50 legislation is about putting in
place only the beginning of the procedure that was decided
by the British people last year. That is not really
conditional on the other policy aspects of this, but, as I
said, I will be as expeditious as I can.
-
Mr (Wycombe) (Con)
In welcoming this decision, may I ask my right hon. Friend
which, if any Select Committee Chairmen have expressed an
interest in having the White Paper published with the
intention of scrutinising it?
-
Mr Davis
I am pretty sure that the Brexit Committee—I am looking at
the Chairman, but he is not paying attention—expressed an
interest, but I cannot think of any others.
-
(Darlington)
(Lab)
I am concerned by some of the responses of the Secretary of
State, who seemed to be bursting with enthusiasm for the
White Paper. Now it seems that we may not get it as soon as
we need it. Given the level of interest in the legislation
and the amendments that will be tabled, we need the White
Paper before the Committee stage of the Bill. Will he make
sure that we get it?
-
Mr Davis
How do you deal with an Opposition that will not take yes
for an answer? I have said that we will deal with the White
Paper and produce it as expeditiously—as quickly—as
possible. What can you do faster than that?
-
Well, the Secretary of State can work as fast as he can I
suppose, but we need the White Paper before the Committee
stage. When we get it, will it be a cut-and-paste of the
Prime Minister’s speech, or will we have assessments of the
financial impact of different options on this country?
-
Mr Davis
As I said at the beginning, the Prime Minister’s speech—one
of the clearest expositions of national policy that I have
heard in many years—answered all the questions that the
Opposition and the Brexit Committee raised other than those
that would actively undermine our negotiating position. The
Opposition, of course, tabled a motion that said, “We will
not undermine our negotiating position.” It is right that
they expect us to obey the rules of the House, but they
should do so, too.
-
Mr Speaker
Colleagues, may I point out that there are a lot of
questions on the Order Paper that I am keen to reach, but
exchanges at the moment are quite ponderous? We need to
speed up a bit.
Support for Agriculture
-
Sir (North West
Norfolk) (Con)
4. What recent discussions he has had with farmers’
representatives on support for agriculture after the UK
leaves the EU.
[908394]
-
(Ogmore)
(Lab/Co-op)
18. What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet
colleagues, as part of the preparations for the
negotiations on the UK leaving the EU, on support for
farmers. [908411]
-
The Minister of State, Department for Exiting the European
Union (Mr David Jones)
We have an unprecedented opportunity to redesign our
policies to ensure that our agricultural industry is
competitive, productive and profitable and that our
environment is protected for future generations. I
regularly meet farmers’ representatives from all over the
United Kingdom as well as my ministerial colleagues.
-
Sir
Does the Minister agree that, post-Brexit, there are two
key priorities for agriculture? First, we need to devise a
system of support for the rural economy that does not
contain the current levels of EU bureaucracy, which is so
expensive. If we achieve that, does he agree that we could
then maintain the current levels of support for the rural
economy?
-
Mr Jones
My hon. Friend makes an important point. Once we have left
the European Union, we will be able to redesign our
policies to suit the needs of British agriculture. That
should lead to a significant reduction in red tape and, as
he rightly says, a significant reduction in costs.
-
In the Prime Minister’s speech last week, she failed to
mention anything about the agricultural sector. When the
Minister publishes the White Paper, will he guarantee that
the farming, fisheries and agricultural sector is a key
element of it, as the industry really needs assurance of
support once we have left the EU?
-
Mr Jones
I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the agricultural
industry is indeed at the forefront of our calculations. As
I said earlier, we consult regularly with the farming
unions from all over the UK, including Wales, and indeed I
will meet the Farmers Union of Wales on Saturday. Any
suggestion that we are not listening to farming industry is
unfounded.
-
Mrs (Chipping
Barnet) (Con)
Will the Minister ensure that the new system of farm
support rewards the highest standards of animal welfare?
-
Mr Jones
My right hon. Friend also makes an important point. The
United Kingdom is noted throughout the world for its high
standards of animal welfare and I have no doubt that the
Government will wish to preserve that reputation in the
forthcoming legislation.
-
(Blaenau Gwent)
(Lab)
Farmers are worried that crops will rot in the ground
without a seasonal workers scheme. Will that be included in
the promised White Paper?
-
Mr Jones
The hon. Gentleman makes another important point. The
farming industry is reliant, to a certain extent, on
seasonal agricultural workers. As he knows, a seasonal
agricultural workers scheme existed until fairly recently,
and that is one of the models that the Government are
considering.
Businesses: UK and EU
-
(Gloucester)
(Con)
5. What assessment he has made of the potential effect of
the UK leaving the EU on businesses in (a) the UK and (b)
the EU. [908395]
-
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Exiting the
European Union (Mr Robin Walker)
Our Department, working with officials across government,
continues to undertake a wide range of analysis, covering
the entirety of the UK economy and our trading
relationships with the EU. We are looking at more than 50
sectors, as well as cross-cutting regulatory issues. We
want to ensure that British businesses have the maximum
freedom to trade with and operate within European markets,
and to let European businesses do the same in Britain. We
believe a strong partnership and a good deal on market
access are in the interests of both the UK and the EU.
-
While we will bring in more immigration controls, the
ability for key sectors such as aerospace, health and
financial services to bring in or relocate skills and
talent from different countries is important to their
success and our industrial and export strategy. What
reassurances can my hon. Friend give such businesses?
-
Mr Walker
I know that my hon. Friend is a champion for the aerospace
businesses along the M5 corridor and helps them in his role
as a global trade envoy for our Prime Minister. As she
said, we want the UK
“to be a secure, prosperous and tolerant country—a magnet
for international talent and home to the pioneers and
innovators who will shape the world ahead.”
We will continue to attract the brightest and the best to
work and study in Britain. Indeed, openness to
international talent must remain one of this country’s most
distinctive assets, but that has to be managed properly so
that our immigration system serves the national interest.
-
Mr (Coventry South)
(Lab)
14. What will the Minister do to ensure that research
leaders from EU countries can continue to take positions at
UK research institutions after we leave the EU? [908404]
-
Mr Walker
The hon. Gentleman raises an important question and I have
had a number of valuable meetings with the Minister for
Universities, Science, Research and Innovation and the
Higher Education Funding Council for England to address
exactly that issue. We recognise the concerns of the sector
and that we need to continue to focus on having an
immigration system that attracts the brightest and the
best.
-
Mr (Chingford and
Woodford Green) (Con)
I urge my hon. Friend to address the issue of incoming
individuals and the controls as soon as possible because
one of the big issues—which my hon. Friend the Member for
Gloucester (Richard Graham) has already touched on—is the
concern about access to global talent. We need to reassure
the City and others that the high added value, low volume
numbers that come in are welcome: it is the low skilled who
are using British benefits that are not very welcome.
-
Mr Walker
My right hon. Friend is right about the importance of
attracting global talent for key industries, such as our
financial services sector and the FinTech industry, with
which I met earlier this week.
-
(Wolverhampton North
East) (Lab)
Manufacturing companies in the aerospace and automotive
sectors are worried about potential delays at the border
and customs duties when we leave the EU. The Secretary of
State, and the Prime Minister in her speech, suggested that
associate membership of the customs union might be
possible. Will the Minister confirm that, unless that
associate membership covers most sectors of our economy, it
will fall foul of World Trade Organisation rules?
-
Mr Walker
The Prime Minister has talked about aiming for a
frictionless system in which we can agree not to have
tariffs or barriers, which is something we should all be
aiming for in a new partnership between the UK and the EU.
-
Sir (West Dorset)
(Con)
In the light of the Prime Minister’s clear statement and
the observations of my right hon. Friend the Member for
Chingford and Woodford Green (Mr Duncan Smith), does the
Minister believe that it might be sensible to set out, at
an early date, the rules that will obtain for attracting
high-quality and highly skilled talent into the UK?
-
Mr Walker
In the light of the Prime Minister’s speech and her
ambition to create stability and certainty through this
process, the sooner we can come forward with those
proposals, the better.
-
(Greenwich and
Woolwich) (Lab)
Far from being a clear exposition of policy, the Prime
Minister’s appeal for a hybrid customs arrangement with
Europe sadly raised far more questions than it answered.
Will the forthcoming White Paper expand on her remarks and
provide businesses across the country with the clarity that
they need about how the alternative arrangements might
affect them?
-
Mr Walker
The Prime Minister’s statement has given welcome clarity to
businesses and was welcomed by many business groups, but of
course we expect the White Paper to set out more detail. We
must also, however, protect our negotiating interests
throughout the process, as the House has repeatedly
instructed us to do.
Government Negotiations
-
The Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union (Mr
David Davis)
Flexibility is important in such complex negotiations,
which will require imagination on both sides, and not
everybody will be able to know everything at every stage.
That is why we have to set out our strategic aim for a new
partnership with the EU, encompassing a bold and ambitious
trading relationship, and it is also why we will not get
drawn into setting out every detail of our negotiating
strategy or laying out red lines. Doing so would tie the
Government’s hands and make it harder for us to achieve the
right deal for the UK, which I presume is what everybody in
the House wants.
-
My right hon. Friend the Member for Hitchin and Harpenden
(Mr Lilley) reminded the House that article 50 requires the
EU to take account of any future relationship that an
independent Britain might have with it as we negotiate the
declaration of our independence. Does my right hon. Friend
the Secretary of State agree that as we negotiate our
independence, we should also show generosity to the EU27 by
continuing to offer them access to our market on a free
trade basis?
-
Mr Davis
My right hon. Friend is exactly right; we have made it
clear that that is our intention. It is one of the reasons,
I believe, why the Prime Minister’s speech has been
received with such applause around the rest of Europe. I
will quote, if I can find it—
-
Mr Speaker
Briefly.
-
Mr Davis
In that case I will not quote it, Mr Speaker. The quote is
rather long, so I will leave it. I simply say that I agree
with my right hon. Friend.
-
Mr Speaker
Splendid.
-
(Bishop Auckland)
(Lab)
The Secretary of State has repeatedly said that he can
maintain flexibility and give the House a say through the
great repeal Bill, but that only covers things in
legislation. When will the House be able to consider the
value of the EU agencies and the cost of setting up new UK
ones?
-
Mr Davis
That is precisely the sort of thing that might well come up
in legislation. In dealing with these EU agencies, we will
seek the best outcome in each case for the relevant sector.
When doing so, we will of course talk to the House about
the costs and benefits of various options, but we will do
that when it is appropriate for the House to know, not
while we are in the middle of the detailed negotiations.
-
(Dover) (Con)
In seeking a clean Brexit, we will want to be as flexible
as possible in negotiating the continuation of our
membership of a free trade area, but does the Secretary of
State agree that such an agreement might not be forthcoming
and that therefore we must be prepared for a situation in
which some form of duties might be necessary? Does he also
agree that it is perfectly possible in the modern era, with
digital technology, to have the border as a part of the
journey, rather than a hard border of old?
-
Mr Davis
Given the constituency that my hon. Friend represents, he
will know that better than most people. I understand
exactly what he is getting at; he is absolutely right.
-
(Rhondda) (Lab)
11. There will be a temptation for the Government to think
that this is just about Government-to-Government
conversations, but would it not be useful for them to look
at this as a Parliament-to-Parliament negotiation as well,
so that we might all start lobbying together to secure the
best possible deal for this country? [908401]
-
(Lichfield)
(Con)
Just say no.
-
Mr Davis
I am not going to say definitely no to the hon. Member for
Rhondda (Chris Bryant); on the contrary. He knows my
prejudices—I think that is probably the right word—but it
is for Parliament to decide what Parliament wants to do.
The essential responsibility for the negotiation is quite
properly the Government’s, and the Opposition—indeed,
everyone in the House—will hold us to account for that.
Nevertheless, the hon. Gentleman is right that there is a
role for Parliaments to talk to other Parliaments about the
joint interests of their constituents, and in that respect
he has my support.
Single Market Access
-
(Aberdeen South)
(SNP)
7. What his priorities are during negotiations on the UK
leaving the EU on access to the EU single market. [908397]
-
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Exiting the
European Union (Mr Robin Walker)
As the Prime Minister said, an important part of the new
strategic partnership that we seek with the European Union
will be the pursuit of the greatest possible access to the
single market on a fully reciprocal basis. Let there be no
doubt that that will be a high priority in the
negotiations. However, we believe that it is in the
interests of both sides to secure it, and it is of course
intended to benefit the people of Scotland. We want to get
the right deal for the whole of the UK, including Scotland.
-
Exports to Norway from Aberdeen alone amounted to more than
£750 million in 2015, and they are a vital part of
anchoring the world-class supply chain in oil and gas. Will
the Minister ensure that the oil and gas industry will be
taken into account in this process, and that access will
not be lost as a result of hard Tory Brexit?
-
Mr Walker
The hon. Gentleman is right to raise the importance of the
industry to his constituency, and indeed to the entire
United Kingdom. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State
has held an energy roundtable with industry leaders who, of
course, included oil and gas industry representatives. I
look forward to visiting parts of the industry in Scotland
in the coming weeks.
-
Mr (North East
Somerset) (Con)
Does my hon. Friend agree that selling into the single
market is far preferable to being a member of it, because
it is a highly regulatory, bureaucratic mechanism on which
87% of British businesses—the British economy—are not
reliant?
-
Mr Walker
As ever, my hon. Friend makes his case very strongly. I
believe that the best possible access to the single market
for UK businesses, and to the UK market for European
businesses, will be in all our interests.
-
(Halton) (Lab)
I recently met representatives of a very important
multinational manufacturing company that employs people in
my constituency. They told me that they did not believe
that the Government understood the concerns of industry
about Brexit, and particularly about the customs union. Why
does the Minister think that is?
-
Mr Walker
The Government are engaging closely with businesses and
industries throughout the whole country to ensure that we
have taken on board their concerns, and to ensure that we
know what opportunities they expect to gain from this
process. Many of the business representatives whom I have
been meeting are excited about the opportunities for the UK
to go out and make trade deals, and trade around the world.
-
Sir (New Forest West)
(Con)
If my hon. Friend has not seen Professor Patrick Minford’s
analysis of the liberating effect of escaping from the
common external tariffs, I, as a former economics beak, am
happy to give him 45 minutes on the subject.
-
Mr Walker
I look forward to the lesson.
-
Mr Speaker
What a fortunate fellow the Minister is!
-
(Sheffield Central)
(Lab)
The Secretary of State provided some clarity on his
priorities for access to the single market in response to
questions on Tuesday’s statement. He told the right hon.
Member for Broxtowe (Anna Soubry) that he was seeking
“a comprehensive free trade agreement and a comprehensive
customs agreement that will deliver the exact same benefits
as we have”. —[Official Report, 24 January 2017; Vol. 620,
c. 169.]
He meant the “exact same benefits” as those of being inside
the single market. Will the Minister confirm that that is
his Department’s negotiating position so that we can
measure the Department’s success against it?
-
Mr Walker
It is absolutely our position to secure the best possible
market access, and, as we have repeatedly said, the ability
for British businesses to trade with and within the single
market.
Manufacturing Industry
-
(Chesterfield)
(Lab)
8. What assessment he has made of the potential effect on
the manufacturing industry of the UK leaving the EU single
market. [908398]
-
The Minister of State, Department for Exiting the European
Union (Mr David Jones)
The Department has been undertaking a thorough analysis of
more than 50 business sectors. We have been speaking
directly to manufacturers in, for instance, the automotive
and chemical sectors in order to understand what they need
from us so that they can continue to thrive after we have
left the European Union.
-
I am glad to hear that that work is being done. Has the
Minister established how many British manufacturing
factories are in competition internally with other
factories in France and Germany? Does he realise how
catastrophic it would be for our manufacturing industry if
there were tariffs on products made in the UK that
factories in France and Germany did not have?
-
Mr Jones
The hon. Gentleman is entirely right. Manufacturing
industries are frequently highly integrated across the
European Union, and the Prime Minister has made it clear
that she seeks customs arrangements that will cater for
that. We must bear in mind, however, that when we have left
the European Union, the United Kingdom will be the biggest
export market for the continuing EU, and it is therefore in
our mutual interest to have proper customs arrangements.
-
Mr (Kettering)
(Con)
Can my right hon. Friend confirm to manufacturers in
Kettering that their prospects for future exports are far
brighter outside the European Union because while we are a
member, we are forbidden from entering international trade
agreements of our own?
-
Mr Jones
My hon. Friend is right to point that out. Once we have
left the European Union, we will be in a position to strike
free trade agreements around the world, which is precisely
what the Department for International Trade is doing right
now.
-
(Strangford) (DUP)
The agri-food manufacturing sector in Northern Ireland
accounts for some 70,000 jobs and 3.25% of Northern
Ireland’s gross value added, which equates to £1.1 billion
at basic prices. Will the Minister outline what protection
he intends to provide for this massive employer, and what
support and advice has been offered in the interim?
-
Mr Jones
The hon. Gentleman is right to point out the importance of
the agri-food sector not only in Northern Ireland, but
throughout the United Kingdom. We have engaged very closely
with bodies such as the Food and Drink Federation. There
are specific circumstances in Northern Ireland, and he will
know that the Government are committed to ensuring that
there is as little impact as possible on the sector in
Northern Ireland.
-
(Lichfield)
(Con)
Is my right hon. Friend aware that both Nissan and Jaguar
Land Rover are planning for how their export market might
well change if we have free trade agreements with India,
China and the United States? Does he agree that they are
right to say that this is an opportunity for manufacturing,
not a disadvantage?
-
Mr Jones
My hon. Friend is entirely right. Rather than talking down
British manufacturing industry, we have a duty to point out
the benefits that will flow from Brexit. There is a world
out there and we should be seizing the opportunities.
-
(Livingston)
(SNP)
My constituency was built on manufacturing and many
Livingston companies rely on EU workers. What can the
Minister do to assure me, the companies in my constituency
and those workers that they will be able to stay and work
in Livingston and Scotland?
-
Mr Jones
The issue of EU residents in the UK—and, similarly, the
issue of British residents in the continuing European
Union—is one that we believe should be settled very early
in the negotiations. I can tell the hon. Lady that I have
already discussed this issue with ministerial counterparts,
and they agree that it is a priority.
Higher Education Students and Staff
-
(Stroud) (Con)
9. What discussions he has had with the Secretary of State
for Education on the implications of the UK leaving the EU
for the free movement of higher education students and
staff. [908399]
-
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Exiting the
European Union (Mr Robin Walker)
My Department is working closely with the Department for
Education and engaging extensively with the higher
education sector to understand its interests. A global
Britain must also be a country that looks to the future.
That means being one of the best places in the world for
science and innovation. The UK will always welcome those
with the skills and expertise to make our nation better
still.
-
The universities sector is one of the largest contributors
to our economy, so it needs to think very carefully about
its post-Brexit position. Is there an appropriate point of
contact for that sector, with significant staffing, so that
it can feel confident that its issues will be dealt with?
-
Mr Walker
Absolutely. Last week, my hon. Friend the Minister for
Universities, Science, Research and Innovation and I joined
with the universities sector to engage on precisely this
issue. We were both delighted by the prominence that
universities and science played in the Prime Minister’s
speech.
-
(Torfaen)
(Lab)
I taught for many years in the universities sector before
entering this House and saw at first hand the benefits that
overseas students bring to our universities financially,
culturally and socially. What assurances can the Minister
give that overseas students will continue to come in the
same numbers and more following Brexit?
-
Mr Walker
I have been absolutely clear that we should continue to
welcome the brightest and the best to the UK. The UK is,
and will continue to be, a great place to study. UK
universities are home to world-class teaching and
innovative research, which are carried out in some of the
most intellectually and culturally diverse academic
environments in the world. We have four universities in the
top 10 and 18 in the top 100. I will be visiting the
highest ranked university in the world tomorrow.
-
(Preseli Pembrokeshire)
(Con)
Given that migration and visa issues will be close to the
heart of negotiations for any future trade deals with
India, America, New Zealand and Australia, as well as the
EU, can my hon. Friend give an assurance that a new British
immigration policy will be sufficiently well developed and
can command public support in time for those negotiations
to begin in a meaningful way?
-
Mr Walker
I absolutely agree with my right hon. Friend. This is a
challenge for the whole of Government. We need to work
across Whitehall with Departments such as the Home Office,
the Treasury and the Department for Business, Energy and
Industrial Strategy to come up with the best possible
immigration system for a global Britain.
-
(South Antrim)
(UUP)
Does the Minister have any plans to seek an accommodation
with the Republic of Ireland to achieve
reciprocal processes for staff and students who move
backwards and forwards across the border?
-
Mr Walker
We have made clear—not only during departmental questions,
but in the Prime Minister’s speech—our absolute commitment
to the common travel area with Ireland. It is vital that we
continue to engage with Ireland on cross-border issues,
including students and universities, and I am delighted
that the Prime Minister will be meeting the Taoiseach next
week.
EU Nationals: Residency Rights
-
Stuart Blair Donaldson (West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine)
(SNP)
10. If the Government will make it their policy to enable
the Scottish Government to provide residency rights for EU
nationals living in Scotland after the UK has left the EU.
[908400]
-
The Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union (Mr
David Davis)
We will make the status of EU nationals in the UK, and of
UK nationals in the EU, a priority for the negotiations. I
think that we can all agree that this is the right and fair
thing to do. The Prime Minister has already set out that we
tried to achieve an early agreement on this issue with our
EU partners. We will continue to do so. We also want to
ensure that our immigration framework operates in the best
interests of all parts of the United Kingdom, and we are
working closely with the devolved Administrations to
achieve that. For example, the Joint Ministerial Committee,
which I chair, carefully considered the Scottish
Government’s paper “Scotland’s Place in Europe” last week.
We have made it clear that we intend to protect the
existing rights enjoyed by UK and Irish nationals when in
the other state, and to maintain existing border
arrangements provided by the common travel area. None the
less, immigration is a reserved matter.
-
Stuart Blair Donaldson
If the Government are not going to guarantee residency
rights for EU nationals, may I ask what assessment have
they made of the impact on the economy and public services
of an exodus of EU nationals and the return of thousands of
retired British immigrants?
-
Mr Davis
We do not intend to pursue a policy that will lead to that.
There is a real issue at the heart of this, but the process
is not helped by the slightly holier than thou stance of
the Scottish National party. Perhaps the House should be
reminded of the words of during the
independence referendum in 2014. She said:
“We have set down a robust and common sense position. There
are 160,000 EU nationals from other states living in
Scotland, including some in the Commonwealth Games city of
Glasgow. If Scotland was outside Europe”—
after independence—
“they would lose the right to stay here.”
I will deal with the issue properly.
-
Mr (Christchurch)
(Con)
Can my right hon. Friend explain why so many EU nationals
who start off in Scotland end up in England?
-
Mr Davis
No.
-
(Newcastle upon Tyne
Central) (Lab)
The Prime Minister will today meet an American President
who champions torture and is proud to discriminate against
Muslims. Does the Secretary of State agree that it is
therefore even more important that this Government should
send the strong moral message that goods and chattels are
bargaining chips, but human beings are not? Will he confirm
the residency rights of EU nationals?
-
Mr Davis
The hon. Lady knows my stance on torture down the
years—better than most, I suspect. The British Government’s
stance on torture is very plain: we do not condone it and
we do not agree with it in any circumstances whatever.
-
Mr (North Shropshire)
(Con)
At a conference on Brexit in Berlin at the weekend, the
uncertainty facing EU nationals who are resident in the UK
was made very clear. The Prime Minister’s comments were
immensely welcome. Would it be possible for this issue to
be resolved as rapidly as possible in the negotiations?
-
Mr Davis
The Prime Minister has made it plain that she has already
tried to get agreement among all the member states. Most of
them agree, but one or two of them do not, and we have to
keep pressing, as we will, to resolve this as quickly as
possible. I hope that EU nationals who are currently here
will take heart from what we are saying. Our intention is
to give them the guarantees that will also apply to British
citizens abroad.
EU Clinical Trials Directives
-
Mr (Clacton)
(UKIP)
12. If he will discuss with Cabinet colleagues the future
of the provisions of the EU clinical trials directives
after the UK leaves the EU. [908402]
-
The Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union (Mr
David Davis)
The Prime Minister’s speech set out the negotiating
priority to ensure that the UK is one of the best places in
the world for science and innovation. As part of the
negotiations, the Government will discuss with EU member
states how best to continue co-operation in the field of
clinical trials. In respect of the hon. Gentleman’s
question, the UK successfully applied sustained pressure to
reform the current directive in the best interests of
patients and business. We will follow the EU rules until
the point of exit, and those new rules will come into
effect shortly. The great repeal Bill will convert EU law
as it applies, including EU regulations, into domestic law
on exit. If needs be, we can reform the regulations after
that.
-
Mr Carswell
Given the harmful effect of EU directives on clinical
trials and science in the UK, when the time comes to write
our own rules will the Secretary of State undertake to
listen to some of the clinical practitioners and
scientists, not just the big corporate vested interests
whose business model depends on having an army of lobbyists
in Brussels?
-
Mr Davis
The short answer is absolutely. The hon. Gentleman is right
that the original clinical trials directive was a very
poorly drafted piece of EU regulation that has certainly
increased the burden of undertaking such trials and, if I
remember correctly from my own constituency, particularly
small trials. [Interruption.] Yes, and those are exactly
the sort of people he is talking about. Their views will be
taken very seriously in the new regime after leaving.
-
Mr (Bury North)
(Con)
Since the referendum both the US biotech company Alnylam
and GlaxoSmithKline have announced that they are making
very substantial investments in the UK. Does my right hon.
Friend agree that this demonstrates that, even after we
leave the European Union, we will still be a very
competitive place for biotech companies to do business?
-
Mr Davis
My hon. Friend is exactly right. I recently went to see
some of those biotech companies in Cambridge, and one of
the problems with people who talk the country down and talk
these industries down is that they underestimate the extent
to which pharmaceuticals, life sciences, finance and
software are fantastically powerful British industries in
which we already have a huge critical mass of talent, which
will continue into the future.
EU Nationals in the UK
-
Sir (Chelmsford)
(Con)
13. What priority he plans to accord to the future status
of EU nationals in the UK during negotiations on the UK
leaving the EU. [908403]
-
The Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union (Mr
David Davis)
The Prime Minister was clear in her speech that she wants
to guarantee the status of EU citizens who are already in
Britain and our nationals in the EU as early as she can. As
I have said, she has already tried to get mutual agreement,
and we will continue to try to get it.
-
Sir
Does my right hon. Friend agree that that answer is
extremely welcome because there is genuine and widespread
concern on this issue? What problems is he encountering
with a few member states that are stopping a reciprocal
agreement being arrived at now?
-
Mr Davis
Truth be told, I am not 100% sure of the actual problems.
In the run-in to these negotiations, the Commission and
some member states have taken a very stern stance on no
negotiation before notification, and they may think that
such an agreement is trying to pre-empt that. That is not
the intention; the intention is to act in the interests of
European citizens, which after all should be the principal
aim of the European Union.
-
(Ilford North)
(Lab)
Those problems notwithstanding, there are many talented
people from the European Union who have made an enormous
contribution to the economy and the cultural life of our
country. Surely the right hon. Gentleman agrees that he
does not need an agreement with other EU member states.
There is going to be an agreement, and he would get a lot
of good will from the public and from our partners across
the European Union if he unilaterally made that commitment
today.
-
Mr Davis
I thank the hon. Gentleman for the tone in which he put his
question, but we have a dual responsibility. We have a
responsibility within our own country to maintain a high
moral stand in what we do—I see this as a moral
question—and, on the other hand, we also have a
responsibility to our citizens abroad, and it is a legal
responsibility as well as a moral one. We will get this
resolved, and I give him an undertaking that we will
resolve it as fast as we possibly can.
Trade Dispute Mechanisms
-
(Lewisham, Deptford)
(Lab)
15. What assessment he has made, as part of his
Department’s plans for negotiations on the UK leaving the
EU, of the potential merits of different forms of trade
dispute mechanisms with the EU. [908406]
-
The Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union (Mr
David Davis)
We recognise that the large majority of trade agreements
involve some form of dispute resolution or enforcement
mechanism, and there are a range of models for dispute
resolution mechanisms in international trade agreements. We
have been clear that we will bring an end to the
jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice in the United
Kingdom. The dispute resolution mechanisms adopted as part
of our future trading relationship with the EU and other
international parties will be a matter for negotiation.
-
The Prime Minister has said that she wants a comprehensive
free trade agreement with the EU and that, in future, our
laws will be interpreted by British judges in British
courts, but every comprehensive free trade agreement has
some sort of independent trade dispute resolution
mechanism. Does the Secretary of State agree that this sort
of inconsistency needs to be ironed out by rigorous
parliamentary scrutiny of the Prime Minister’s plan?
-
Mr Davis
It is not an inconsistency but a lack of understanding on
the part of the Opposition. As I have said, there are a
range of models and a large number of international trade
agreements with arbitration mechanisms, but they are just
that. They are agreed arbitration mechanisms; they are not
mechanisms that bring the influence of the European Court
into all parts of British society—that is what is going to
be resolved by leaving the European Union.
Security Policy
-
(Cardiff North)
(Con)
16. What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on
ensuring future cooperation with the EU on security policy
after the UK has left the EU. [908408]
-
The Minister of State, Department for Exiting the European
Union (Mr David Jones)
Britain has played a key role in protecting Europe’s
security, and the Prime Minister has been clear that we
will continue to co-operate with our European partners on
foreign and defence policy as we leave the European Union.
-
As we are a global player in counter-terrorism and law
enforcement, does my right hon. Friend agree that both we
and our EU partners have much to benefit from a
co-operation agreement?
-
Mr Jones
I entirely agree with my hon. Friend. I discussed the issue
with several of my European counterparts earlier this week.
They fully understand the intelligence strength that
Britain brings to the table, and they understand the value
that we will be able to bring to the table after we leave
the EU.
-
Mr (Huddersfield)
(Lab/Co-op)
Does the Minister understand that parliamentarians across
Europe are deeply worried about the knock-on effect of our
leaving the EU on NATO’s stability and future? That is the
truth. Forget about what is happening in the United States
with the new President; will the Minister assure the House
that this country’s commitment to NATO will be redoubled,
not diminished?
-
Mr Jones
We are absolutely committed to NATO, and I assure the House
that that commitment will continue after Brexit.
Consulting Parliament
-
(Hazel Grove)
(Con)
17. What the Government’s policy is on consulting
Parliament on the final agreement on the UK leaving the EU.
[908410]
-
The Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union (Mr
David Davis)
As the Prime Minister said, we will put the final deals
agreed between the UK and the EU to a vote in both Houses
of Parliament. We have always said that we will observe the
constitutional and legal obligations that apply to the
final deal. As I have said many times, we will keep the
House informed throughout the process.
-
Will my right hon. Friend confirm that both Houses of
Parliament will have several opportunities to vote on a
wide range of legislation determining substantial policy
decisions as we exit the EU?
-
Mr Davis
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The article 50 Bill
will be introduced imminently. A great repeal Bill is to be
introduced in the next session—an important piece of
legislation that will ensure that all EU law is converted
into UK law, including on issues such as workers’ rights
and environmental regulations, which I would have thought
would matter to the Opposition. There will be subsequent
legislation on those and other issues. But that is just the
beginning. Exiting the European Union will give this
Parliament control of its own laws again. Decisions on
policy will be taken here, not in the European Union, and
we will be back to being a free country again.
Topical Questions
-
The Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union (Mr
David Davis)
The Government will shortly introduce a straightforward
Bill to enable us to trigger the EU exit mechanism. The
question is not about whether we should leave—that decision
was taken on 23 June—but about respecting the referendum
result and doing what the majority of people in the country
want: to get on with the job of making a success of our new
position in the world. The Prime Minister has been clear
about what she seeks to achieve and has set out a bold,
ambitious plan to build a global Britain that the whole UK
can get behind.
-
Ms Ahmed-Sheikh
In the Prime Minister’s speech at Lancaster House on 17
January, she promised to
“put the preservation of our precious Union at the heart of
everything we do.”
Given that we are told that this is a Union of equals, what
formal role will be given to the devolved Administrations
when the UK negotiates its new relationship with the EU?
-
Mr Davis
The formal role is already in place. We have a Joint
Ministerial Committee at which the Scottish Government is
represented, and representatives from the Northern Ireland
Executive and the Welsh Government also attend. We have had
three meetings so far and have another meeting on Monday in
Cardiff and another in early February. We are taking
formally the papers submitted by the Scottish and Welsh
Governments, and we will take them on board. The point that
we have made throughout the process is that the negotiation
is sophisticated and complex and will be difficult. It must
be done under a single banner, but it will be done in a way
that reflects and protects the interests of all parts of
the United Kingdom.
-
(Brecon and Radnorshire)
(Con)
T5. With the UK being a net importer of agricultural goods
from the EU and the EU being the UK’s biggest agricultural
market, what assurances can my right hon. Friend give to
farmers that a key part of our negotiations will involve
removing agricultural tariffs on both the UK and EU sides,
which is in both our interests? [908384]
-
The Minister of State, Department for Exiting the European
Union (Mr David Jones)
My hon. Friend is entirely right that there is significant
two-way trade in agricultural products, and in food and
drink products. I would imagine that it is just as much in
the interests of the continuing EU as it is in the
interests of the UK that sensible arrangements continue.
-
(Holborn and St Pancras)
(Lab)
Now that we have a commitment to a White Paper, the role of
Parliament in the article 50 process needs to be
determined, which is why Labour will seek to table an
amendment to the proposed article 50 Bill to require the
Secretary of State to lay before the House periodic
reports, at intervals of no less than two months, on the
progress of the negotiations under article 50. Will the
Secretary of State commit now to the principle of periodic
reports? [Interruption.]
-
Mr Davis
From behind me I hear, “Like he’s not going to do that.”
The hon. and learned Gentleman says two months. Since
September, over five months, I have done five statements in
front of this House, 10 debates, and appeared in front of a
number of Select Committees. That process will continue. I
suspect that two months will be a rather unambitious aim.
-
The role of Parliament at the end of the exercise will also
be important. The Prime Minister has said that MPs will
have a vote on the final agreement. Will the Secretary of
State today state categorically that MPs in this House will
have no less involvement in the process and no less a say
over the final article 50 agreement than MEPs in the
European Parliament?
-
Mr Davis
The role of the MEPs will be somewhat limited and
peripheral, in many respects. Mr Verhofstadt will be
allowed at the treaty negotiations, but I do not think he
will be making the decisions.
-
(Stafford) (Con)
T7. British citizens in the EU and EU citizens in the
United Kingdom make valuable contributions to the countries
they live in. When some of them gave evidence to the
Exiting the European Union Committee last week, they
expressed great concern about three particular areas:
pensions, health and the rights of children. Has the
Minister or his colleagues been working on those issues
with their counterparts across the European Union? [908386]
-
Mr
My hon. Friend makes an extremely important point. The
interests of British residents in the continuing European
Union are at the top of our agenda. In fact, only on Monday
I had a discussion with representatives of British
residents in Malta. He can be assured that we will continue
to reflect the interests of British residents as the EU
negotiations commence.
-
(Richmond Park)
(LD)
T3. Will the Government publish an impact assessment on the
effect of leaving the single market on jobs and,
conversely, the effect of the resulting skills shortage on
key industries and the NHS? [908380]
-
Mr Jones
These are certainly important matters and we are addressing
them, but the hon. Lady will understand that we will not be
publishing impact assessments that might be useful to those
with whom we will be negotiating.
-
(Cleethorpes)
(Con)
The seafood processing sector is vital to the local economy
in the Cleethorpes constituency. Will the Minister assure
me that its interests will be at the forefront of
considerations during the Brexit negotiations? Will he meet
business leaders from the sector to pass on his assurances?
-
Mr Jones
My hon. Friend is entirely right that this is an important
sector of the economy. Indeed, it may well be that I have
already met those representatives, as we have been having
extensive engagement with the agri-food industry.
-
(Liverpool, Wavertree)
(Lab/Co-op)
T4. This week, the Health Secretary told us that Brexit
would mean Britain leaving the European Medicines Agency.
This move is likely to send Britain to the back of the
queue for innovative new drugs, make regulation more
complex and threaten jobs in the UK’s thriving
pharmaceutical sector. Will the Secretary of State for
Exiting the European Union tell us why his Government have
so readily given up our membership of this vital body? Will
he explain the measures he will introduce to ensure that
people across Britain will enjoy the same access to
medicines as our European neighbours? [908383]
-
Mr
That is all very well, but the complete premise of the
question is wrong. That is not what the Health Secretary
said; he was misreported and misinterpreted. What I will
say to the hon. Lady is this: what we will be doing is,
first, putting the clinical safety of the British people at
the front of the priority list, and then looking after the
interests of British industry, particularly biosystems and
life sciences, in which we are a world leader now and will
continue to be after we leave.
-
(Bath) (Con)
As chair of the all-party group on rare, genetic and
undiagnosed conditions, I know that the issue of clinical
trials is a big one for patients, as they are concerned
that exiting the EU will mean that nothing will replace
those trials. Will my right hon. Friend assure the House
and those patients that the trials will be replicated as
soon as we leave the EU?
-
Mr
I can assure my hon. Friend that we are in extensive
discussions with the biopharma industry on that particular
issue, and those discussions will continue.
-
(Glenrothes) (SNP)
This week, the Kingdom of Fife is pleased to welcome almost
200 students from around the world who join very nearly
4,000 students from 137 countries at the University of St
Andrews. When will that university be given absolute
guarantees that nothing about Brexit will jeopardise its
reputation as the most international of universities?
-
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Exiting the
European Union (Mr Robin Walker)
We need to engage with the university sector and work with
it on a vision for a global Britain that continues to make
the UK one of the most attractive places in the world for
key talent to come.
-
(Corby) (Con)
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has rightly
been very clear that this Government will do nothing to
damage our industries. I believe that leaving the European
Union will be a good thing for our steel industry. This
week, the all-party parliamentary group on steel and
metal-related industries published its “2020 Vision”
report. Would he like me to send a copy to him so that he
can look at its recommendations as part of the ongoing
policy debate?
-
Mr
Yes, we would be delighted to receive it.
-
(East Ham) (Lab)
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reported
today that car production is at a high, but that investment
in car manufacturing is falling because of uncertainty over
Brexit. How long will the current uncertainty undermine
investment in the British economy?
-
Mr
We should absolutely welcome the fact that we have seen the
highest level this century of car production and car exports
from the UK. We continue to see key investments by the
automotive industry, such as Jaguar-Land Rover’s expansion in
Coventry. We want to work with the industry to make sure that
it has the best access to European markets, and indeed global
markets, as we move ahead.
-
(Mid Worcestershire)
(Con)
About 9 million Brits will visit France this year, and 15
million will visit Spain. In return, about 4.5 million French
will visit the UK and about 2.5 million Spaniards. Will the
Government be seeking visa-free travel for tourists across
Europe post-Brexit, and in those negotiations will they be
making it clear that it is very much in our European friends’
interests to do so?
-
Mr
My hon. Friend is right to highlight the importance of the
two-way tourism industry in Europe. These are issues that we
are considering, but I can assure him that our aim is for
frictionless arrangements.
-
(Hyndburn) (Lab)
What settlement have the Government made with the Crown
dependencies in their relationship with the EU via protocol
3? When we exit the European Union, does it mean that the
Crown dependencies will also exit the customs union?
-
Mr
I met the Chief Ministers of Crown dependencies only
yesterday as part of a formal process of ongoing meetings
that we are holding to take their views into account.
Following the Prime Minister’s speech, I also spoke to each
Chief Minister, and they are very pleased with our direction
of travel.
-
(Cheltenham) (Con)
Higher education is one of the UK’s greatest exports. As we
seek to grow our export markets post-Brexit, does the
Minister agree that we need an approach that plays to our
strengths and builds on them?
-
Mr Walker
Wholeheartedly.
-
Mr (Huddersfield)
(Lab/Co-op)
In response to an earlier question, the Secretary of State
said that we needed both flexibility and imagination in
tackling these complex negotiations. My manufacturing sector
and my university want competence, and they are worried about
the competence of the team sitting on that Government Front
Bench to carry out the negotiations thoroughly.
-
Mr Davis
I had better deal with this one.
Interestingly, if we look at the response around Europe to
the Prime Minister’s speech about competence, we see, for
example, that the Spanish Secretary of State for Foreign
Affairs, whom I saw only a couple of weeks ago, welcomed it
widely and said that we had an eminently achievable aim in
everybody’s interests.
-
(Witney) (Con)
In my constituency, we are lucky to see the excellent Airbus
A400M as it flies from RAF Brize Norton. Does my right hon.
Friend agree that this is an excellent example of defence
co-operation between Britain and her European allies, and
that such defence co-operation will continue when this
country leaves the European Union?
-
Mr
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. I visited the Airbus
factory in Bristol just before Christmas and saw the
wonderful work that it is doing there. He is right to say
that integrated manufacturing across Europe is important and
I have no doubt that we will be putting in place arrangements
to ensure that it continues.
-
(Louth and Horncastle) (Con)
An RAF Typhoon flown from my constituency and HMS St Albans
have man-marked a rusting Russian aircraft carrier as it
makes its journey of shame through the English channel on its
way back from raids on Aleppo. Does that not demonstrate the
important role that the United Kingdom must play after our
exit in ensuring the defence and security of Europe as a
whole?
-
Mr Jones
My hon. Friend is right. Britain is a leading power in NATO
and will continue to be after we leave the European Union.
-
(Mid Dorset and North
Poole) (Con)
Will my hon. Friend visit Dorset to speak to our businesses
and hear their concerns, but also to discuss the manifold and
great opportunities that Brexit will provide?
-
Mr
I would be delighted to do so. We are getting out and talking
to businesses across the country. I look forward to visiting
businesses in my hon. Friend’s constituency.
|