House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Government Planning: End of the Transition Period

Thursday 16 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 2 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

The Government launched a communications campaign to inform people and businesses about necessary preparations for the end of the transition period.
The Government prefers a negotiated outcome but emphasizes that most preparatory actions should be taken regardless of the outcome.
The Government voted against an extension to the Brexit transition period, as requested by the SNP.

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Questions & Answers

Q1 Felicity Buchan Con South Leicestershire

Brexit

Context

The UK's transition period following Brexit is nearing its end.

Question

What steps the Government are taking to ensure business readiness for the end of the transition period?

Answer from Michael Gove (Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Earlier this week, we launched a communications campaign to ensure that people and businesses know what they need to do to prepare for the end of the year. Most of the actions will need to be completed whether or not we get a negotiated outcome. While a negotiated outcome remains our preference, our priority is to provide timely and comprehensive guidance on the changes that businesses and citizens will need to make in any scenario.

Answered

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Q2 Michael Gove Con Hertford and Stortford

Brexit

Context

Gove addresses the SNP's request for an extension to the Brexit transition period, criticizing Labour's absence during the debate.

Question

The details of almost all requirements are available on a no-regrets basis, but the hon. Gentleman is right that we seek a negotiated outcome without tariffs or quotas and with business confidence. He mentions ambiguity and uncertainty; however, yesterday in the Chamber, the SNP requested an extension to our transition period, which the Government opposed. The Labour party was notably absent during this debate.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Rishi Sunak)

We voted against an extension to the Brexit transition period, which was requested by the SNP. The Government is clear and unambiguous in its commitment to leaving the European Union without a further extension.