Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Transition Period: UK Preparedness

Thursday 12 November 2020 · 8 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

  • The Government have been clear about the changes coming on 31 December, when the UK leaves the single market and customs union.
  • The Minister acknowledged the importance of funding organisations fighting online child exploitation and abuse, but did not specify continuation or amount of funding.
  • New funding and facilities will help process UK-caught fish, enhancing maritime security capability.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Sheryll Murray Con
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

The UK is approaching the end of its transition period after leaving the EU, with significant changes expected.

Question

What steps are being taken to ensure business readiness as we approach the conclusion of the transition period?

Answer from Michael Gove

The Government have been clear about the changes coming on 31 December, when the UK leaves the single market and customs union. Tools available at www.gov.uk/transition help with preparation regardless of future trade relationship outcomes.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions or commitments for business readiness are not provided.

How: Tools Available

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Q2 Chris Elmore Lab Bridgend
Culture, Media & Sport Children & Families
Context

The UK Safer Internet Centre has removed millions of child sexual abuse images and videos from the internet, costing the government £10 per child under 15.

Question

Will the Government continue to fund the work of the UK Safer Internet Centre after EU funding ceases at the end of the transition period?

Answer from Michael Gove

The Minister acknowledged the importance of funding organisations fighting online child exploitation and abuse, but did not specify continuation or amount of funding.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment to continued funding is not given.

How: Funding Will Be Maintained

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Q3 Sheryll Murray Con
Brexit Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

700,000 tonnes of fish caught in UK waters are landed by other member states, significantly more than the UK catches in their waters.

Question

What measures will be taken to ensure that UK fishing businesses can take advantage of a rebalanced situation post-transition period?

Answer from Michael Gove

Under the common fisheries policy, coastal communities have lost out. New funding and facilities will help process UK-caught fish, enhancing maritime security capability.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures or commitments for fishing industry rebalance are not provided.

How: Replacing European Maritime Fisheries Fund

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Q4 Rachel Reeves Lab Leeds West and Pudsey
Brexit Business Compliance
Context

The Minister previously acknowledged the need for 50,000 customs agents by year-end to assist with post-Brexit trade relationships.

Question

How many customs agents are now trained and ready to go as we approach the end of the transition period?

Answer from Michael Gove

The estimate for 50,000 was always approximate. There has been significant increase in number of customs agents employed by companies and intermediaries scaling up activities.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific current figure or commitment is not provided.

How: Significant Increase

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Q5 Rachel Reeves Lab Leeds West and Pudsey
Northern Ireland Brexit
Context

The National Audit Office expressed concerns about lack of preparation, highlighting crucial technology like the customs declaration system as not being ready.

Question

Is the Minister in control and will he ensure no delays or disruptions due to Government incompetence?

Answer from Michael Gove

The National Audit Office report highlights progress on IT systems, with significant investment in the customs declaration system for Northern Ireland trade.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment to avoid delays or disruptions is not provided.

How: Investment In Cds

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Q6 Pete Wishart SNP Perth and Kinross-shire
Scotland Brexit
Context

The UK is approaching the end of its transition period, amidst a high covid death rate and national lockdown in England.

Question

Should Scotland celebrate this incoming Brexit given current conditions and internal government conflicts?

Answer from Michael Gove

The Minister is committed to the welfare of people from Aberdeen to Aberystwyth who voted for leaving the EU, despite acknowledging behind-the-scenes intrigue in the Government.

Not addressed: Question about celebration stance and internal conflicts are not directly addressed.

How: Government Committed To Welfare

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Q7 Pete Wishart SNP Perth and Kinross-shire
Scotland Brexit Democracy & Elections
Context

Following the UK's decision to leave the EU, Scotland is experiencing a resurgence in support for independence due to dissatisfaction with Brexit. There are concerns about the future of the Union.

Question

May I tell the right hon. Gentleman what Scotland is in fact doing? Scotland is quickly determining that it wants no part of this incoming Brexit nightmare after the transition. Independence and a European future is now the new settled will of the Scottish people. We are now the majority, so can he think of an example anywhere in the world where another dilapidated, finished Government are attempting to deny a majority in a democracy?

Answer from Michael Gove

I think that the hon. Gentleman might be referring to Belarus, of course, with his last question, but let me assure him that the United Kingdom Government remain strong, resolute and committed to delivering on the will of the British people. In particular, the Union, which has provided for 300 years an example of people coming together in a spirit of solidarity to proclaim the values of democracy, human rights and liberalism, will endure for many decades to come.

Not addressed: The question about examples was not addressed directly; instead, it was used as an opportunity to criticize Scotland's stance on independence and affirm support for the Union.

How: Comparing The Situation In Scotland To Belarus

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Q8 Hilary Benn Lab Leeds South
Northern Ireland Brexit
Context

Recent statements from officials suggest a potential risk to food supplies in Northern Ireland due to inadequate preparations for the post-transition period. The Road Haulage Association has criticised these preparations as 'frankly pathetic'.

Question

We now learn that the First Minister and her deputy have said that there is a “real threat” to the continuity of food supplies in Northern Ireland. The Road Haulage Association has described border preparations as “frankly pathetic”. The customs declaration service probably will not be ready in time, and the NAO has warned that widespread disruption for 1 January is likely. Given that the right hon. Gentleman has repeatedly assured the House that it will all be fine, why does he think so many other people do not share his optimism?

Answer from Michael Gove

I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman. His Committee on the Future Relationship with the European Union has done extensive work drawing attention to the preparations that are required to be made. There are still significant preparations that we and businesses need to make to conclude our preparedness, which is why later today, I will be meeting representatives from business representative organisations, including the CBI and others, to ensure that everything possible is being done to prepare for the changes.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific reasons for discrepancies were not addressed directly; instead, he acknowledged challenges but focused on future meetings with businesses.

How: Acknowledging Challenges While Focusing On Future Preparations

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