Brexit Economic Impact 2023-09-05
2023-09-05
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the economic consequences of Brexit, particularly regarding trade barriers and staffing issues.
What recent assessment has been made of the potential impact of withdrawal from the EU on the economy. The loss of freedom of movement has hugely damaged businesses' ability to recruit staff in Scotland; UK pubs alone lost £22 million due to staff shortages over a bank holiday.
Brexit was a choice made by the British people, and it remains a big opportunity for the economy. The UK has grown faster than France or Germany since leaving the single market. This country has more people out of work and fewer in work compared to England due to SNP's economic policies.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific assessment of Brexit's impact on the economy
Relitigating That Debate
Opportunity For The Economy
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Bank of England warned that Brexit would damage the UK economy, weakening the pound and causing inflation. Import checks on animal and food products have been delayed multiple times.
Does the Chancellor accept that delays in introducing changes to import checks are contributing to the cost of living crisis? The Government has delayed import checks on animal and food products for the fifth time because the costs would add to inflation.
No, but of course we are sensitive about the timing of introducing those changes. An extra £14.6 billion is being directed to public services every year because of Brexit.
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Assessment & feedback
Specifics on cost of living crisis contributions from import check delays
Sad To See Her Step Down
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Brexit has impacted small businesses such as Guild Antiques & Restoration, which saw orders from the EU fall off a cliff edge.
What can the Chancellor do to fill the economic gaps caused by hard Brexit? Scotland did not choose Brexit and we are all worse off as a result. Many businesses have had to reduce their offer or close altogether due to staff shortages.
There is irony in SNP opposing Brexit while advocating separation. Scotland now has extra support for pubs, lower beer duty relative to supermarkets, and benefits from Brexit freedoms in Edinburgh reforms.
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Assessment & feedback
Actions to address economic impacts of Brexit
Irony In Snp'S Stance
Edinburgh Reforms
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Loss of freedom of movement has damaged businesses' ability to recruit staff, leading to reduced opening hours and closures.
Does the Chancellor accept that small businesses cannot keep picking up the tab for his Government's disastrous Brexit? What is he doing to solve these staffing problems?
May I gently say that this country has actually grown faster than France or Germany since we left the single market. SNP's economic policies have led to more people out of work in Scotland compared to England.
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Assessment & feedback
Staff recruitment solutions
Growth Relative To France And Germany
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Leaving the EU offers opportunities for modernising regulations.
Will my right hon. Friend drive regulatory reform across Departments to increase prosperity and raise living standards?
We look at her booklet on regulatory reform ahead of fiscal events, including big reforms to medicines regulation in the Budget.
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Assessment & feedback
Driving regulatory reform across Departments
Booklet On Regulatory Reform
Response accuracy
Q6
Direct Answer
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Context
The UK has a history of leading in financial services and markets.
Will my right hon. Friend look at the report from UK Finance on tokenisation of markets to be world leaders in that innovative area?
Thanks to the Economic Secretary, we have repealed 100 EU rules and regulations in financial services. We will look closely at opportunities related to tokenisation.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
Government admitted that introducing food import checks would lead to increased inflation. Labour believes a bespoke veterinary agreement could reduce red tape.
Are the Government planning to negotiate a veterinary agreement, and if not, why not?
The last thing business wants is upheaval from a huge renegotiation of trading arrangements with the EU, which is already the largest tariff-free free trade deal by volume in the world.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific plans for veterinary agreements
Upheaval From Renegotiation
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from the high food price inflation affecting household budgets, with experts like Adam Posen attributing up to 80% of additional inflation woes to Brexit. The UK's situation contrasts with countries such as France that have taken action.
I am concerned about the Chancellor claiming success despite higher and more stubborn inflation in the UK compared to the EU. With food price inflation hurting families, why has this Government done nothing? Why haven't they learned from France which works with suppliers to cap prices for those in need?
Inflation is influenced by imported foods and gas, like Germany and Italy, and low unemployment, similar to the US. The UK has recovered better from the pandemic than France, Italy or Germany despite these pressures.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address why the government hasn't taken specific action on food price inflation as in France.
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
High energy bills are a key driver of inflation, affecting family budgets. The Spanish government has introduced VAT cuts and social tariffs to help their citizens. Scotland faces higher energy costs compared to other UK regions.
The Chancellor did not address how high energy costs hurt families. Similar to Spain's bold steps in cutting VAT and introducing a social tariff, what plans does the Government have for winter support? Specifically, will there be a £400 energy price grant introduced this winter?
For constituents in Scotland, our support includes around £3,000 per family, paying half their bills on average, and substantial benefits system assistance. Nearly £100 billion has been provided to show we are stronger together.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm if there will be a £400 energy price grant as requested.
Response accuracy