UK-EU Agreement Scottish Exports 2021-01-27
2021-01-27
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Discussions about the effects of UK-EU trade and co-operation agreements on Scottish exports are ongoing.
What discussions he has had with (a) Cabinet colleagues and (b) industry leaders on the effect of the UK-EU trade and co-operation agreement on Scottish exports?
We regularly speak to ministerial colleagues and industry leaders on this matter. We are beginning a new chapter in our national story, one of great opportunity. This is an unparalleled chance for us to do things differently and better, increasing businesses' access to new markets and boosting our national prosperity.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific discussions with Cabinet colleagues and industry leaders about the impact on Scottish exports were not detailed
Opportunity For Growth
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Scottish exporters face uncertainty regarding the time it will take to resolve issues at the UK-EU border.
Scottish exporters need clarity and certainty on how long it will take the UK Government to resolve the calamitous situation that has been created at the UK-EU border, so my question to the Minister is: has anyone in the Scotland Office worked out how long a piece of string is yet?
We are engaging directly and providing very practical support to exporters who have encountered some short-term difficulties as they adjust to the new system. In the case of the fish and seafood sector, we have provided them with compensation for any losses that they encountered.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline or resolution time was not given
Engaging Directly
Practical Support
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Scottish fishing exporters are facing challenges due to Brexit and require immediate support.
The Minister will be fully aware of the chaos that Scottish fishing exports have been thrown into over the past few weeks because of his Government's broken promises on Brexit to the industry. I understand he has already said that the Department has announced an injection of funding for the hardest hit, but this is about timing and reputation as well, so how is he working with potential buyers of these world-class fishing exports to promote the sector? How is he ensuring that extra support reaches those hardest hit as quickly as possible, given the absolute devastation that these businesses have faced in this year so far?
We are providing very practical support. This is not affecting the whole industry. The industry faces many challenges at the moment, not least the loss of some of its markets because top-end restaurants, at home and abroad, are having to close because of covid. In addition to that short-term compensation, we are providing a £100 million fund to grow and boost the capacity of our seafood sector.
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Assessment & feedback
Details on working with potential buyers and immediate support were not provided
Practical Support
Short-Term Compensation
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Scottish businesses are struggling due to Brexit and require a grace period.
The EU is still our closest and most important trading partner, but Scottish businesses are suffering because of this disastrous Brexit we did not vote for, and the inability and unwillingness of the Minister's Government to effectively use the transition period. Will he now push for the grace period that businesses are urgently calling for? If not, why not? What is his answer to them?
We are engaging with all sectors to help them prepare for this transition. I respectfully point out to the hon. Lady that she voted for a no-deal Brexit, and she and her fellow separatists want to impose additional trade barriers within Britain.
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Assessment & feedback
Details on pushing for a grace period were not provided
Voted For A No-Deal Brexit
Additional Trade Barriers
Response accuracy