Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Future Relationship with the EU

Thursday 12 November 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 0 Partly answered 6 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Negotiations for a free trade agreement with the EU are ongoing, with progress being made but divergences remaining.
  • The UK is working with devolved Administrations and local government leaders to ensure powers are distributed more equitably as they take control back from the EU.
  • The UK insists on recognition as a sovereign equal in negotiations and expects the EU to show flexibility as well.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Tony Lloyd Lab
Brexit
Context

The question arises from ongoing UK-EU negotiations post-Brexit transition period.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the progress of the UK's negotiations with the EU?

Answer from Michael Gove

Negotiations are continuing in London this week, and this is a continuation of the intensive talks that both sides agreed to on 21 October. Progress is being made, but divergences remain. The UK will continue to engage in negotiations on a free trade agreement, with Lord Frost leading the UK's negotiation team.

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Q2 David Simmonds Con Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner
Northern Ireland Scotland Wales Local Government
Context

The levelling up agenda aims to improve economic and social opportunities across different regions.

Question

In pursuit of the levelling up agenda, will my right hon. Friend provide an update on the progress being made to ensure that powers released from EU treaties are devolved to local and regional government?

Answer from Michael Gove

As we take power back from the European Union, we are working with the devolved Administrations in Holyrood, Cardiff, and Belfast, as well as with local government leaders and metro Mayors—including Ben Houchen in Teesside—to ensure that powers are distributed in a more equitable and progressive fashion.

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Q3 Emma Lewell Lab South Shields
Brexit
Context

The question addresses the UK's negotiating stance with the EU, particularly regarding concessions.

Question

These negotiations are not going well and time is running out. What exactly, if anything, is the UK willing to concede or compromise on?

Answer from Michael Gove

The UK has shown a great degree of flexibility in these negotiations, but it is important that the European Union shows flexibility too. There needs to be full recognition that we are sovereign equals; any attempt to extend EU jurisdiction by other means will be incorrect.

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Q4 Tony Lloyd Lab
Northern Ireland Brexit
Context

Concerns have been raised about the preparedness for post-transition period logistical challenges, especially in relation to Northern Ireland.

Question

May I remind the Minister that the Road Haulage Association described the Government's preparations as 'chaotic' and said logistics may not be able to deliver goods. Can he give a guarantee there will be no jobs lost or goods undelivered when we hit the end of the transition period?

Answer from Michael Gove

In discussions at the Joint Committee, it is important to ensure that people in Northern Ireland have unfettered access to the rest of the UK. We are confident that Maroš Šefčovič will work pragmatically to ensure the secure future of Northern Ireland.

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Q5 Paul Blomfield Lab
Immigration Brexit
Context

There are concerns about the UK's ability to secure real-time data for border security after losing access to shared databases.

Question

Without access to previously shared databases, how will we get the real-time information needed to detect foreign criminals at ports and airports?

Answer from Michael Gove

Once out of the transition period, we will take back control over our borders. We can end abuse of ID cards and have total discretion over who enters the country through safety and security declarations for Border Force to monitor organised criminals more effectively.

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Q6 Paul Blomfield Lab
Migrants & Borders Policing & Resources
Context

Questions persist regarding the effectiveness of Border Force's ability to detect foreign criminals without EU databases.

Question

The Police Superintendents Association expressed concern about information sharing being less effective. Which real-time system will be available for Border Force to identify foreign criminals without access to SIS II?

Answer from Michael Gove

Border Force will have a more effective means of monitoring organised criminals through safety and security declarations. We enhance our ability to deal with criminality by taking back control over borders.

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