Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

UK-EU Trade Negotiations

Wednesday 8 July 2020 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial priority is to ensure free trade for UK exports, including those from Wales, with the EU.
  • Recent discussions between David Davies and the Welsh Government regarding UK-EU trade negotiations were highlighted.
  • ONS data indicates that nearly half of Welsh businesses have less than six months of cash reserves.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alan Brown SNP Kilmarnock and Loudoun
Scotland Wales Business & Trade
Context

The UK's trade negotiations with the EU are a reserved matter but have significant implications for Wales, which relies heavily on exports to the EU.

Question

What recent discussions has David Davies had with the Welsh Government on the UK's trade negotiations with the EU? Given Michel Barnier's statement about full border checks and considering that 60% of Welsh exports go to the EU, what additional support will the Minister provide for Welsh exporters?

Answer from David Davies

Ensuring that Welsh exports— and, indeed, those from Scotland and all other parts of the United Kingdom—are able to be traded freely across the world, including with our former partners in the European Union, is a top priority for the Government. Of course, SNP Members had the opportunity to vote for an extension last year but chose not to.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Additional support for Welsh exporters

How: Redirecting Question, Challenging The Opposition'S Past Actions

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Q2 Marion Fellows SNP Alyn and Deeside
Wales Brexit Business & Trade
Context

Recent ONS data shows that over 40% of Welsh businesses have less than six months in cash reserves, making them vulnerable to the disruption caused by a no-deal Brexit.

Question

What recent discussions has David Davies had with the Welsh Government on the UK's trade negotiations with the EU? Considering the ONS data showing that nearly half of Welsh businesses have less than six months of cash reserves and given the significant threat posed by a no-deal scenario, how will the Secretary of State explain to these businesses his Government's decision not to extend the transition period?

Answer from David Davies

I have to remind the hon. Lady that SNP Members had the opportunity to vote for a permanent customs union extension but chose not to, taking a gamble against Brexit which they lost.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Government's decision on an extension

How: Challenging The Opposition'S Past Actions, Redirecting Question

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