Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Transition Period: Cabinet Discussions

Tuesday 13 October 2020 · 6 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 6 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister had recent discussions with Cabinet colleagues on ensuring UK preparedness for end of transition period.
  • FCDO Ministers in regular contact with DIT on trade-related issues to maintain consistency in negotiating positions.
  • Minister confirmed UK's ability to implement independent sanctions regime post-Brexit, focusing on human rights abuses.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Lee Anderson Reform Ashfield
Brexit
Context

The question concerns the government's readiness and discussions on leaving the EU transition period.

Question

What recent discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues on progress in ensuring that the UK is prepared for the end of the transition period?

Answer from Wendy Morton

It remains our intention and hope to reach an agreement with the EU, but as a responsible Government, we continue to make extensive preparations for a wide range of scenarios. The two Cabinet Committees focused on EU exit strategy and operations meet regularly to discuss the Government's work, to ensure that the UK is prepared for the end of the transition period.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Simon Jupp
Brexit Business & Trade Environment
Context

The question focuses on coordination between departments for upcoming trade talks.

Question

What discussions have been held with the Department for International Trade to ensure that the Government sing from the same hymn sheet in their future trade negotiations on food, animal welfare and environmental standards?

Answer from Wendy Morton

I can assure my hon. Friend that FCDO Ministers are in regular contact with DIT colleagues on a range of trade-related issues. The UK Government have been consistently clear that we will never sign a trade deal that would compromise the UK's high environmental protection, animal welfare and food safety standards. All existing food safety provisions will be retained.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q3 Suzanne Webb
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

The question pertains to the UK's stance on trade negotiations after leaving the EU transition period.

Question

Does the Minister agree that we must strongly back the Government's negotiating position to deliver a trade deal that takes back control of our money, laws and borders, but that we should not be afraid to fall back on an Australian-style arrangement if necessary?

Answer from Wendy Morton

My hon. Friend asks an important question. We continue to work hard towards reaching an agreement with the EU. We want a deal with free trade provisions similar to those that the EU agreed with Canada, and if that is not possible, we will have a trading relationship similar to how Australia trades with the EU.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q4 Mark Eastwood
Brexit Foreign Affairs
Context

The question addresses the UK's ability to implement its own sanctions after leaving EU.

Question

Does the Minister agree that a key benefit of leaving the European Union for our foreign policy is the ability to put in place our own independent sanctions regime, allowing us to go further on human rights than the EU?

Answer from Wendy Morton

Yes, the UK will indeed pursue an independent sanctions policy driven by our foreign policy objectives. We established a global human rights sanctions regime on 6 July, which gives us new powers to fight those involved in serious human rights abuses. The sanctions we recently imposed on individuals in Belarus are a good example.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q5 Simon Baynes
Brexit
Context

The question looks at the advantages of being a 'global Britain' after the end of transition.

Question

Does the Minister agree that the end of the transition period will herald a global Britain with more freedom to follow our own path in the world, to the benefit of my constituents in Clwyd South?

Answer from Wendy Morton

Yes. At the end of this year, the process of transition will be complete, and we will recover our economic and political independence. That is why we did not extend the transition period.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q6 Lee Anderson Reform Ashfield
Brexit Foreign Affairs
Context

The question is about the FCDO's strategic objectives after leaving the EU.

Question

Will my hon. Friend advise the people of Ashfield what the FCDO's priorities should be in the future?

Answer from Wendy Morton

The Government's integrated review, which is ongoing, will define the UK's role in the world and the longer-term strategic aims for our national security and foreign policy following our departure from the European Union. We are committed to the UK being a force for good in the world, defending open societies, free trade, democracy and human rights.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)