EU Exit: End of Transition Period

The UK will leave the single market and customs union regardless of future relationship negotiations with the EU. The public information campaign aims to inform everyone about necessary actions for change, while expert support is deployed for businesses. Importers need GB EORI numbers, commodity codes, and understanding of customs values by January 2021. Exporting goods requires declarations and certificates. A points-based immigration system will attract global talent and improve NHS recruitment. New border technology will enhance monitoring and security against organised crime. The border operating model provides clarity on the movement of goods but does not cover Northern Ireland-specific matters. Border controls are introduced in three stages until July 2021, with checks for specific goods types phased in progressively.

Responded to concerns raised by Rachel Reeves, emphasising the UK’s compliance with WTO rules and the phased approach to border controls. Assured that there are no plans for a new lorry park at Dover and highlighted the modernisation of customs processes.

Asked for clarification on technical matters regarding Northern Ireland protocol implementation and legal certainty regarding WTO rules. Welcomed the acceleration in investment for British business.

Gove responds to Pete Wishart, clarifying that devolution powers are being returned to Scotland post-Brexit and criticising the SNP's stance on joining EU while wanting independence from UK. He stresses the opportunities for businesses in a global market.

Stafford asks Gove to focus more on the opportunities arising from Brexit rather than scaremongering.

Benn questions Gove about plans for a lorry park in Ashford and seeks clarification on its operational status by year-end.

Mitchell enquires about the continuation of pet travel arrangements post-Brexit, expressing concern over impact on constituents' ability to travel with pets.

Sheerman criticises Gove for negative portrayal of Brexit's effects and expresses concerns about economic impact during the pandemic.

Smith urges Gove to secure a deal with minimal tariffs and friction, highlighting challenges faced by small businesses due to additional trade barriers post-Brexit.

Asked the Minister to guarantee no delay in acquiring a covid-19 vaccine after December compared with EU countries.

Emphasised global collaboration through CEPI programme, ensuring UK access to vaccines and support for microbusinesses via an information campaign and online checker. Also discussed migration policies, environmental impact assessments for lorry parks, and the GB-EU interface vs Northern Ireland protocol.

Asked about steps taken by the Government to ensure awareness among microbusinesses in Buckinghamshire of necessary actions after transition period.

Critiqued increase in red tape and costs for businesses, especially those employing EU nationals, and questioned cost implications on business. Also raised concerns about Scottish independence polls.

Asked the Minister to confirm that no specific site has been chosen for an outbound emergency lorry park near new housing developments and a hospital, raising environmental impact assessment concerns.

Questioned whether the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster could confirm specific details about the location of an emergency lorry park and operational checks for goods moving to Europe.

Inquired about the assessment made by the Government regarding businesses in Rugby trading with companies across Europe, seeking clarity on steps taken to ease trading difficulties post-transition period.

Asked why HMRC systems had not been developed despite funds being announced for their improvement.

Requested a commitment to provide detailed information on Northern Ireland protocol before the end of the month, given multiple regulatory checks needed there.

Defended the Government against claims of inaction post-Brexit and accused opposition parties of delaying Brexit.

Questioned the financial benefits of Brexit, highlighted additional costs such as border infrastructure expenses, and asked about responses to Food and Drink Federation's questions.

Asked for an estimate of annual costs to UK businesses due to compliance with new customs rules.

Asked about the support available for individual businesses following the launch of the “Check, Change, Go” campaign.

Mr. Gove emphasised the government's commitment to supporting businesses during and after Brexit, mentioning plans for border control infrastructure and trade opportunities. He also discussed negotiations regarding participation in the Erasmus scheme and scientific collaboration. Mr. Gove acknowledged concerns about education policies in Scotland but highlighted the efforts to enhance commercial opportunities for ports such as Holyhead and Grimsby. He addressed potential delays at Dover by referencing improvements in infrastructure and systems, and he committed to protecting car manufacturing through tariff-free trade agreements.

Mr. Linden questioned the government's commitment to opportunities for young people after Brexit, particularly regarding the Erasmus scheme which many young individuals in Scotland have participated in and are dependent on for future opportunities.

Ms. Nici enquired about job creation through border control infrastructure investment, specifically asking if these investments would support local employment at ports such as Grimsby and Immingham.

Mr. Timms raised concerns over potential long delays at Dover due to insufficient lorry parking spaces in Calais, questioning the logistics of checking all lorries before they reach Dover.

Ms. Owen highlighted the importance of Vauxhall and its workers for Luton’s economy, expressing worry over future car manufacturing investment due to uncertain trade agreements.

Mr. Bone discussed the report on modern-day slavery and emphasised that controlling borders would aid in tackling human trafficking effectively.

Mr. Smith criticised Brexit, citing a specific case of increased healthcare costs for elderly couples losing the European Health Insurance Card post-Brexit.

Mr. Halfon suggested amending public sector procurement rules to encourage companies to commit to apprenticeships in order to improve social mobility and workforce development.

Mr. Williams sought details on the allocation of £705 million for port infrastructure, specifically asking how much would be allocated to Holyhead and its purpose.

Mr. Bristow reminded the government of past opposition from certain MPs against agreeing a deal with the EU, suggesting that this was proven wrong by recent events.

Asked about the state of drug stockpiles established in response to the threat of a no-deal Brexit, particularly insulin. Questioned how healthcare services can manage during the current COVID-19 crisis.

Acknowledged Philippa Whitford's concerns about drug stockpiles and assured that Health Secretary and his Department are working together to ensure stockpile availability for any eventuality. Promised to update her in due course.

Responded to Opposition questions about paperwork and checks by highlighting that more than half of UK trade is with non-EU countries, data transfer is electronic, and border checks are risk-based rather than routine.

Agreed with Mark Harper's point about the outdated view on customs procedures being a streamlined process. Noted that trade share with non-EU countries has grown while EU trade share has diminished, even in the single market.

Asked Michael Gove to provide evidence of Scotland's strong position within the Union and Brexit compared to Ireland’s current influential roles in various EU positions and bodies.

Replied by highlighting achievements of the Irish Republic while warning that advocating for independence would result in border controls at Berwick, non-acceptance of sterling in Stirling, and economic turbulence. Emphasised the UK's current strength together.

Inquired about plans to communicate with foreign lorry drivers going through Kent to avoid excessive delays at Dover port as the UK leaves EU.

Acknowledged Gareth Johnson's point and mentioned that part of today’s information campaign includes awareness for businesses in European Union regarding new procedures post-Brexit.

Asked the Minister to address concerns from residents near Kent lorry park site about noise and air pollution, requesting a published assessment.

Responded by confirming that appropriate procedures will be followed for whichever site is chosen in Kent to safeguard commercial interests while protecting nearby residents.

Cited HMRC's report on UK businesses exporting only to EU and highlighted the need for comprehensive free trade agreement with the EU, advocating for seminars by organisations like BCC, FSB, growth hubs to prepare small businesses.

Agreed that working together is necessary to ensure business readiness, confirming efforts towards comprehensive free trade agreements while adapting outside customs union if not secured.

Stated his personal reason for becoming a Conservative MP was empowerment, aligning with the belief that Conservatives give people tools to improve their lives. Highlighted empowerment's importance in forging UK’s positive path post-Brexit.

Agreed completely and acknowledged Wales' majority vote for leaving EU, emphasising the power transfer to Parliament and devolved Administrations, praising Rob Roberts as a valuable asset in the House.

Expressed concern about potential tailbacks caused by lorry park announcement near William Harvey Hospital, raising issues of air pollution and health impacts for east Kent residents.

Acknowledged Rosie Duffield's concerns and invited her to a meeting with other Kent MPs to provide reassurance on the matter.