UK-EU Future Relationship Negotiations and Transition Period

Question

The Government must take responsibility for their failure if we leave without a deal. With only 24 days left until the end of the transition period, key questions remain about readiness. No-deal scenarios would mean tariffs on lamb exports of 40% and car exports of 10%. The Office for Budget Responsibility predicts an additional GDP fall by 2%, unemployment rise by 1%, and inflation increase by 1.5% if no deal is reached. Labour also questions the number of customs agents recruited out of the required 50,000. Despite claims that an oven-ready deal has been delivered, the whole country awaits a comprehensive trade and security agreement promised at the last election.

Question

Thank my right hon. Friend for the statement. I absolutely have confidence in Lord Frost and the Prime Minister, who are basing their negotiations on a manifesto that won us a huge majority at the last election. The British public voted for a sovereign departure—that is to say, that we would be a sovereign nation. She is right, therefore, and does she not agree that although this is entitled a trade discussion or a trade deal, the truth is that at the end of the day, as she said, this is essentially about sovereignty? To have continuing control of our laws, our territorial waters and, for that matter, our trade are matters of sovereign control, not just trade. Will she give that message back to our negotiators, and say that they have the Government side of the House completely behind them?

Question

The hon. Gentleman questions the success of Brexit negotiations, citing economic consequences for Scotland, including a £1,600 cost per Scot and a 6.1% GDP fall with a low deal. He asks the Minister to concede that the negotiations have been a shambles and whether Scotland's views matter.

Question

My right hon. Friend asks the Minister to ensure that the Government point out to European partners their obligations under EU treaties and World Trade Organisation agreements regarding free trade and non-disruption of UK exports.

Question

Does the Minister agree with the Office for Budget Responsibility's assessment that no deal could reduce real GDP by a further 2% in 2021, despite the economic crisis? Why does the Prime Minister still believe no deal would be a good outcome?

Question

My right hon. Friend believes that the difficulties in negotiations are not really about trade but EU politics, aimed at discouraging others from leaving and limiting UK's competitive potential post-Brexit.

Question

According to a Cabinet Office document, no-deal Brexit could reduce medicine and medical device supplies by up to 40%. Should constituents start stockpiling such products?

Question

My right hon. Friend agrees that we benefited from quick action on the vaccine, which will extend to international trading relationships and employment legislation post-Brexit.

Question

The right hon. Gentleman urges the Government to resist demands that would take power away from the UK or compromise Northern Ireland's sovereignty.

Question

My right hon. Friend confirms that the UK Government will not sign up to any agreement that compromises sovereignty or ability to reach new trade agreements.

Question

The hon. Gentleman, a member of the Select Committee on the Future Relationship with the European Union, criticises the Government's leadership and asks why they would inflict more cuts by coming out of Europe in the wrong way.

Question

My right hon. Friend confirms that there will be no impediment to imported covid-19 vaccines and other crucial medicines, even in a worst-case scenario.

Question

The assurances given by the Government were flatly contradicted by Richard Torbett, head of the UK’s pharmaceutical industry, who stated that border delays and the absence of mutual recognition standards in no-deal scenarios would disrupt the supply of vital medicines. Why should we believe Government Ministers rather than Mr Torbett?

Question

Will the Minister ensure that Gibraltar is not collateral damage in Brexit negotiations? Will she keep them fully informed of all developments?

Question

With tariffs on food imports potentially over 20% in no-deal scenarios, does the Minister agree that this would be particularly damaging for children living in poverty?

Question

Can my right hon Friend assure constituents that we will leave negotiations with sovereignty intact, regardless of whether there is a deal?

Question

Does my right hon Friend agree that threats from state and non-state actors do not recognise international borders or political unions, and should we maintain our collective security responsibility?

Question

Does my right hon Friend see the irony of UK negotiators trying to persuade EU counterparts about our good faith while breaking international law? Can she explain why environmental standards are yet to be agreed upon?

Question

Can my right hon Friend assure constituents that any deal will not undermine sovereignty and our ability to set border policy or strike free trade deals?

Question

Can the Minister assure this House that the Government will work in good faith with the EU over the coming days, considering a grace period for Northern Ireland businesses?

Question

With the Opposition refusing to make a decision on tier restrictions, what assessment has my right hon Friend made of demands for any deal while simultaneously considering voting against it?

Question

Will the Minister apologise to business owners for this ongoing uncertainty? A logistics company owner in my constituency lost her business and staff due to delays.

Question

Why are negotiations still continuing if EU said the absolute deadline was 31 October? Will tonight bring a decision one way or the other?

Question

Brexit has already cost our country billions, with investments slumping in crucial sectors, rising unemployment, and businesses leaving the UK. How many more jobs will be lost? What further economic damage will occur if no deal is reached?

Question

Does my right hon. Friend agree that a bad deal would have far worse long-term consequences than no deal?

Question

Has the Government drawn up proposals for a fallback security agreement if negotiations fail on certain issues like fish or level playing fields?

Question

Can the Minister reassure me that the negotiating team will continue to negotiate robustly on rules of origin, standing up for manufacturing businesses?

Question

Even if there is a deal, it will be thin, inflicting costs and delays on sectors struggling with covid. With Government IT systems not ready, should the Government pause for thought before such an act of self-harm?

Question

Will the Government ensure a UK shared prosperity fund finds its way to those places across the UK that need it regardless of trade talks outcome?

Question

What assessment have the Government made of the combined impact of Brexit on top of the already severe impact on business due to the covid crisis?

Question

Does my right hon. Friend agree that respecting the democratic mandate requires a binary outcome—sovereignty or not?

Question

If there is no deal, Welsh farmers could burn lamb carcases and police forces may lose access to EU databases. Given our history of compromising for deals, how will the Government avoid a catastrophe?

Question

May I convey my full support to Lord Frost and the Prime Minister for their stance during these negotiations? Like the Minister, I want to see a comprehensive free trade deal with the EU but not any deal that leaves us shackled to EU rules. What are the Government doing to ensure we deliver on the Brexit people voted for?

Question

The north-east region promised an oven-ready deal with no tariffs, fees or charges. With the negotiations now going late, what are the Government doing to ensure businesses and individuals in the north-east can properly prepare for these changes?

Question

I congratulate the International Trade Department on new trade deals. Will nothing compromise our ability to do new trade deals around the world in negotiations with EU?

Question

The pandemic has led to job losses in manufacturing. What steps are the Government taking to help British manufacturers make critical investments needed to save jobs, skills, and compete internationally?

Question

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the strength of support from Conservative Benches for the Government’s negotiating position? Does she agree that a deal can be done only if it starts from a point of fundamental acceptance of UK as sovereign, independent third country?

Question

The REAF project sets out an exciting vision for the renaissance of the East Anglian fishing industry. Will my right hon. Friend confirm that these requirements are not being compromised in the negotiations?

Question

The Government spend much money on radio and newspaper ads to tell businesses to be ready for 1 January. A business in my constituency wants to continue importing plants from Europe, but the C1800 form is not available on the website. Can the Minister tell me what I can tell my constituent about how his business can continue to trade successfully?

Question

What does my right hon. Friend say to those who seem to believe that now is not the best time to make a deal? Surely this is by far the best time for a deal; it’s pretty much now or never.

Question

Despite re-signed fisheries framework agreement with Norway, there is currently no legal basis for UK fisheries’ distant water vessels to fish cod in Norwegian waters from end of this year. In the event of a no-deal Brexit, what are Government doing to ensure continued access?

Question

Beaconsfield businesses are bracing themselves for end of Brexit transition period. Will my right hon. Friend provide further assurances of plans and support in place for supporting businesses, particularly small businesses?

Question

Orchestras in the UK are facing difficulties due to the covid pandemic and uncertainty around customs declarations post-transition period, especially with the Northern Ireland protocol. Can the Minister confirm whether an orchestra moving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland will need carnets for their instruments after 1 January?

Question

Expressing confidence in Lord Frost’s negotiating team, the MP asks for confirmation that we will leave the transition period on 1 January 2021 and that we will operate on Australian terms if necessary.

Question

Expressing concern about reports regarding deals on the seas, the MP asks for assurance that there will be no surrender of UK’s seas or rights to European fisheries as promised by the Government.

Question

Expressing satisfaction with Brexit progress, the MP asks for assurance regarding control over borders, laws and fisheries and economic and political independence.

Question

Congratulating the Minister on her work in preparing for new regulations, the MP asks what plans are in place for contingencies between now and 31 December.