UK-EU Trading Relationship 2025-07-10
2025-07-10
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The UK joined the European Economic Community in 1973, now the EU. This week, the French President visited, indicating closer cooperation with the EU.
Given this week’s visit by the French President and this Government’s desire for closer co-operation with the EU, will the Minister confirm that no new or existing trade deal will lead to this country rejoining the EU through the back door?
That is absolutely not the case. What we have with the European Union is a new deal that the supermarkets say has put downward pressure on prices, and which Octopus Energy says will bring the cost of energy down.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
A shellfish farmer on a BBC radio programme suggested that while UK-EU trade might become easier, the timeline for changes is uncertain or may not happen at all.
Given what we have negotiated away, can those changes be expedited?
I am determined to expedite these new arrangements as quickly as possible. It is fantastic to see the Opposition take that position—I thought the right hon. Gentleman’s Front Benchers were against them.
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Assessment & feedback
The minister did not provide specific details on expediting changes for shellfish farmers.
Focuses On Opposition'S Stance
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Federation of Small Businesses Northern Ireland reported that a third of businesses which previously traded between Great Britain and Northern Ireland have stopped doing so.
Under the existing framework, the UK is entitled to take unilateral measures to protect the internal market where there is a diversion of trade. Does the Minister consider a third of businesses ceasing to trade as representing a diversion of trade?
On 1 July, we introduced phase 3 checks under the Windsor framework. The Windsor framework was negotiated by the previous Government, and we supported it from the Opposition Benches. I assume that the Conservatives continue to support those arrangements. Obviously, we monitor the issue of trade diversion very carefully.
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Assessment & feedback
The minister did not directly address whether a third of businesses ceasing to trade qualifies as a diversion of trade.
Focuses On Phase 3 Checks And Monitoring
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK has recently reached a small trade agreement with the EU, its largest trading partner. The Prime Minister received a state visit from French President Emmanuel Macron.
Now that UK-EU relations are at a turning point, does the Minister agree that it is finally time to be more ambitious, drop the red lines, cut the red tape, and aim to negotiate a UK-EU customs union that would boost the public coffers by £25 billion a year?
We have delivered an ambitious new trading arrangement with the European Union. We have also delivered a new free trade agreement with India and an economic deal with the United States. What the hon. Lady is suggesting would take away our freedom to be able to do that, which is contributing to our economy.
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Assessment & feedback
The minister did not address whether dropping red lines for a customs union was considered.
Focuses On Free Trade Agreements With Other Countries
Response accuracy