Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

UK Internal Market

Wednesday 9 September 2020 · 4 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ruth Jones asked about discussions on the UK internal market White Paper, highlighting Scottish exports to the rest of the UK.
  • Angela Crawley questioned the claim that the policy is not a power grab, seeking a mechanism for negotiation, agreement, and consent between the four nations.
  • Stewart Hosie referenced the Command Paper's analysis showing an economic impact of a UK border, challenging the government with expected Brexit losses for Scotland.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ruth Jones Lab Newport West and Islwyn
Business & Trade
Context

Discussions on the UK internal market are ongoing, with focus on its impact across different regions.

Question

What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the UK internal market White Paper. Sales produced in Scotland to the rest of the UK are £51.2 billion per year and over 60% of our exports.

Answer from Alister Jack

I have frequent discussions with Cabinet colleagues on a range of matters relating to the UK internal market. The UK internal market is vitally important for our economy. Sales produced in Scotland to the rest of the UK are £51.2 billion per year and over 60% of our exports.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific discussions on the White Paper were not detailed

How: Vital Importance For Economy

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Q2 Angela Crawley SNP
Economy Brexit Business & Trade
Context

Concerns over the UK's approach to its internal market, contrasting it with European standards.

Question

By contrast to the Secretary of State's power surge, the European single market's principles are based on equality, co-operation and consent. If he claims that the policy is not a power grab, will he guarantee a mechanism for negotiation, agreement and consent between the four nations?

Answer from Alister Jack

For standards, frameworks will be by consent across the United Kingdom. There is the opportunity for parties to opt out. As a safety net for business, we are introducing mutual recognition underpinning the European single market and non-discrimination protections.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific guarantee of mechanisms was not provided

How: Frameworks By Consent, Opt-Out Opportunity

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Q3 Stewart Hosie SNP
Scotland Brexit
Context

Analysis suggests a border effect could impact Scottish GDP, and Brexit's effects are projected as much more significant.

Question

The gravity analysis in the internal market Command Paper shows a border between Scotland and rest of UK would have an 1.1% GDP impact. With Brexit expected to be seven times larger—losses around 8% for Scotland—when discussing with Scottish Government, will he bring forward another Command Paper insisting on single market inclusion?

Answer from Alister Jack

We are leaving the EU, and I do not recognise his figures. We saw many projections on Brexit that were wrong. With good trade deals and UK legislation, we will strengthen the Scottish economy.

Not addressed: Commitment to bringing forward a command paper was avoided

How: Wrong Projections, Strengthening Scottish Economy

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Q4 Ruth Jones Lab Newport West and Islwyn
Economy Employment Environment
Context

Concerns over breaking international law regarding the willingness to protect workers' rights and environmental standards.

Question

Many in Newport West are astonished by comments suggesting breaking international law. Will he commit to a UK-wide framework protecting workers' rights and environmental standards within the internal market, and pledge to stick to it?

Answer from Alister Jack

There are over 42 frameworks—I have not studied them all in detail, but I am sure those subjects will be covered. When we have frameworks, it is by consensus. Each member state can opt out, with the UKIM legislation protecting producers, suppliers, manufacturers and consumers alike.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment to framework was not provided

How: Frameworks By Consensus, Opt-Out Opportunity

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