European Political Community 2024-07-25
2024-07-25
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Discussions at the European Political Community summit have implications for UK policies.
What assessment has he made of the implications for his policies of discussions at the European Political Community?
Discussions at the EPC enhanced co-operation on European security and advanced the reset of our relationship with Europe. The EPC summit brought together 46 European leaders, recommitted to Ukraine's defence and announced a new call to action against the Russian shadow fleet.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific assessment of implications for UK policies, only general summary of discussions.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Small business owners in Earley and Woodley seek smoother relationships with European neighbours.
Many small business owners have expressed a need for smoother trade relations. Can the Minister set out how he will build on meetings with Irish Taoiseach and French President to improve trade ties?
I welcome my hon. Friend to her place. As our nearest neighbours and as close allies, both those relationships are of great importance to the UK and to this Government's plan to reset our European relationships. We look forward to working closely with the Irish and French Governments as we take forward our plans to improve the trading relationship.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific actions or commitments for improving trade ties, only general statements of importance.
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The EPC summit provided additional support and signed up to a UK-led call to action.
Can the Minister outline more about the additional support offered at the European Political Community summit? What impact is that expected to have?
In the margins of the EPC, 44 countries signed up to a UK-led call to action to tackle the Russian shadow fleet. Ukraine signed bilateral security arrangements with Czechia and Slovenia.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The Minister holds significant responsibilities including resetting EU relations, reforming the House of Lords, and delivering public inquiries.
Given his responsibilities, will he confirm how he will work with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office?
The written ministerial statement issued in the Prime Minister's name yesterday clearly sets out the division between the roles. I look forward to leading from the Cabinet Office on the cross-Department and cross-Whitehall UK-EU reset.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details on working with FCDO, only referenced written statement.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The House is curious about the Government's approach to changes with the EU.
For clarity, will he describe how he expects to evaluate benefits of any changes in the relationship?
The Government's approach was set out in the Labour manifesto that was endorsed overwhelmingly at the general election. We will not rejoin the European Union, we will not return to freedom of movement, and we will not rejoin the customs union or the single market.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific evaluation criteria for benefits, only reiteration of policy stance.
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The Minister's role may be crucial in repairing the UK-EU relationship.
What discussions did he have—or will he have—about extending the youth mobility scheme to the European Union?
The Government have been clear that we will not be returning to freedom of movement, but clearly we want economic and cultural ties to be far closer than they are at the moment. The Government have already set out their objective of a sanitary and phytosanitary agreement.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific plans or discussions on extending youth mobility scheme, only general statements.
Response accuracy