EU-UK Trade and Co-operation Agreement 2021-02-03
2021-02-03
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The EU-UK trade and co-operation agreement has been signed, affecting Welsh businesses.
What assessment he has made of the effect of the EU-UK trade and co-operation agreement on Wales. The agreement provides Welsh business with exceptional access to the EU market for the first time ever under a zero-tariff, zero-quota deal.
We have agreed a deal that provides Welsh business with exceptional access to the EU market. It is the first time ever that the EU has agreed a zero-tariff, zero-quota deal.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Freight levels at Welsh ports are down due to the impact of Brexit-related checks and paperwork.
Will my right hon. Friend work urgently with ministerial colleagues, HMRC and trade bodies to find simpler solutions to the problem of checks and paperwork which risks making the UK land bridge more costly and less attractive for trade between Ireland and the continent? The situation at Welsh ports is serious due to freight levels being down.
I am in touch with Pembroke, Fishguard and Holyhead about this issue. We are trying to make a distinction between what we can assign to covid changes in business and the other more permanent factors that he refers to. There are some complications to do with port infrastructure which is the responsibility of the Welsh Government. We have meetings tomorrow to push the Welsh Government to get that process under way more quickly. We have discussions with road hauliers about the land bridge. I assure him that we want this business to return to as near as possible as soon as possible.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific simpler solutions were not provided, only assurance of ongoing work and meetings
Working With Partners
Response accuracy