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Brexit: Opportunities
16 September 2021
Lead MP
Michael Ellis
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
EconomyNorthern IrelandBrexitBusiness & Trade
Other Contributors: 23
At a Glance
Michael Ellis raised concerns about brexit: opportunities in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
The Paymaster General, Michael Ellis, stated that the UK government is taking action to reclaim control over laws following Brexit. He highlighted the TIGRR taskforce report and committed to conducting a review of retained EU law to normalise it within domestic law, ensure courts have full ability to depart from EU case law, and amend or repeal retained EU law not suitable for the UK. Ellis also outlined plans to create a pro-growth data regime, reform regulations on GMOs and gene-edited organisms, overhaul clinical trial frameworks, modernize transport regulations, and implement rigorous regulatory tests. He proposed establishing a standing commission to receive ideas from citizens for reducing regulatory burdens. The Paymaster General emphasised the government's ambition in post-Brexit reforms.
Emily Thornberry
Lab
Islington South and Finsbury
Question
Thornberry questioned the Paymaster General on the Government’s efforts to secure mutual recognition of professional qualifications, regulatory equivalence for financial services, and solutions to issues in Northern Ireland's food security after checks were introduced. She specifically asked about McKinsey’s £1 million report findings.
Minister reply
The minister did not provide specific answers but continued to emphasise the government's commitment to post-Brexit reforms, highlighting areas such as data regime reform and transport regulations.
Graham Stringer
Lab
Blackley
Question
Stringer inquired about the impact of the UK’s new immigration system on businesses’ ability to recruit from the EU. He asked if there are plans for any changes or flexibility, considering businesses' concerns.
Minister reply
The minister acknowledged the importance of recruitment and emphasised that the government is working to ensure that businesses can continue to operate effectively post-Brexit.
Gareth Thomas
Lab
Carmarthen East and Dinefwr
Question
Thomas questioned whether the government would provide financial assistance to companies affected by Brexit-related changes, such as those experiencing supply chain issues or loss of market access.
Minister reply
The minister highlighted existing support schemes but did not commit to additional financial assistance specifically for these issues.
Ian Paisley
DUP
North Antrim
Question
Paisley requested clarity on the government’s stance regarding Northern Ireland's customs and border arrangements, particularly in light of ongoing challenges.
Minister reply
The minister reiterated the government's commitment to finding a sustainable solution for Northern Ireland but did not provide specific details or timelines.
Emily Thornberry
Lab
Islington South and Finsbury
Question
Critiques the Government's Brexit deal and its impact on shortages, trade losses, and Northern Ireland. Questions about professional qualifications recognition, financial services regulatory equivalence, mutual product testing, and solutions for Northern Ireland food security.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the concerns raised by Thornberry but maintains an optimistic view of post-Brexit opportunities such as economic growth and job creation.
Chingford and Woodford Green
Question
Welcomes the statement and recommends a regulatory committee to provide trust in regulation/deregulation.
Minister reply
Thanks Iain Duncan Smith for his work and notes the point regarding a regulatory committee, indicating further discussions with Lord Frost.
Question
Asks if Scots law is protected by the Act of Union and seeks clarification on measures to help exporters.
Minister reply
Confirms respect for Scots law under the Act of Union since 1707. Acknowledges export issues but emphasises ongoing work to improve the situation.
George Freeman
Con
Mid Norfolk
Question
Welcomed the generalissimo to his place and thanked civil servants for their work. Emphasised three messages: regulatory dividend from Brexit, levelling up through new sectors, linking to international trade.
Minister reply
Agreed with MP's points about not being wrong in liberating Britain from bureaucracy, leading the world, supporting business, workers, and levelling up.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
Question
Asked for guarantee that new legislation would not diminish workers' rights protected by European legislation.
Minister reply
Stated this is about supporting workers and business, making life easier for people, and building the economy.
Question
Asked for priority to repeal and replace the clinical trials directive with a modern regulatory framework.
Minister reply
Agreed and committed to looking at this as a priority.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
Question
Expressed concern about staff shortages in tourism sector due to Brexit, asked for Government action.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the impact of the pandemic on tourism and stated that they will listen to British people about reducing regulations.
Question
Pressed for commitment to a one-in, two-out rule with no exceptions or exemptions.
Minister reply
Agreed about the need for intercession against pro-regulatory ratchet and assured intentions to fulfill wishes.
Question
Asked Government to listen to problems raised by British business and look at recommendations in UK Trade and Business Commission's report.
Minister reply
Confirmed that the party listens to business, and will continue to do so under Conservative Governments.
Mark Francois
Con
Rayleigh and Wickford
Question
Urged Government to include EU citizens in consultations on regulations, especially Michel Barnier.
Minister reply
Agreed with the point about including EU citizens in consultations.
Question
Asked for assessment of impact of potential removal of article 22 guaranteeing human review of AI decisions on negotiating trade deals.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the complexity and will take all issues into careful consideration.
Question
Welcomed minister to his place, thanked for work as Law Officer, asked to ensure careful removal of retained EU law with experts' input.
Minister reply
Agreed about complexity and legal uncertainty, emphasised importance of supporting financial and legal services.
Gerald Jones
Lab
Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare
Question
Expressed concern over increased barriers to trade with Europe, questioning the Paymaster General's commitment to addressing businesses' concerns about higher costs and job losses due to these changes.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the issues raised and emphasised that the Government is listening to business needs and will continue to support them in all possible areas.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
Welcomed the Paymaster General to his position and expressed dissatisfaction with the Northern Ireland protocol, highlighting its impact on empty shelves, increased costs for citizens, and disregard for the constitutional position of Northern Ireland. Mentioned a petition with over 100,000 names.
Minister reply
Expressed understanding and support for Northern Ireland, emphasising the Government's commitment to protecting the Union and supporting Northern Ireland.
Question
Welcomed the Paymaster General to his role and expressed concern that some might use this review as an opportunity to continue the Brexit debate rather than focusing on unity and grasping opportunities.
Minister reply
Agreed completely with the sentiment of moving forward from Brexit.
Claire Hanna
SDLP
Belfast South and Mid Down
Question
Expressed disappointment that Northern Ireland's unique dual market access was not highlighted as an opportunity. Called for Government support to enable businesses in Northern Ireland to leverage this position.
Minister reply
Disagreed with the hon. Lady, stating that Northern Ireland has multiple selling points beyond its dual market access and emphasised the importance of tourism and the levelling-up agenda.
Question
Welcomed the Paymaster General to his place and suggested scrapping the European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act to enable quicker deportation of foreign criminals and illegal economic migrants.
Minister reply
Acknowledged that we are now taking back control of our borders.
Question
Welcomed the announcement from the Paymaster General, focusing on local residents' desire for laws made in Parliament and asked if this approach would support small and medium-sized enterprises.
Minister reply
Confirmed that the points-based immigration system and bilateral trade agreements with over 60 countries will support SMEs and improve trade opportunities.
Shadow Comment
Emily Thornberry
Shadow Comment
The shadow minister, Emily Thornberry, expressed skepticism about the statement's focus on opportunities while the country faces shortages due to Brexit. She questioned the practicalities of downgrading trade with Europe in favour of Asia, citing a £1.7 billion increase in exports over 15 years through the Trans-Pacific Partnership as insufficient compensation for losses in EU trade. Thornberry urged the government to address issues such as mutual recognition of professional qualifications and regulatory equivalence, mutual recognition of conformity assessments, and finding a sustainable solution for Northern Ireland's border issues.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
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