Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Transition Period: Business Preparedness

Wednesday 2 December 2020 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister published guidance throughout the year, including the Trader Support Service backed by 200 million of funding.
  • Minister stated that work with the Joint Committee is intensifying and clauses in the UK Internal Market Bill will provide businesses with certainty.
  • Minister updated guidance on labelling changes required at the end of the transition period, available on gov.uk.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Stephen Farry
Northern Ireland Brexit
Context

The question arises due to the impending end of the UK's transition period, during which Northern Ireland businesses have been operating under certain EU regulations. Businesses now face uncertainty over what changes will be required after December 31st.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to help ensure that businesses in Northern Ireland are prepared for the end of the transition period? I am concerned about the lack of clarity and support given the short time left before the deadline. Businesses need a clear legal framework to operate post-transition, including any grace periods agreed with the EU.

Answer from Brandon Lewis

We have published guidance throughout the year, including the Trader Support Service backed by £200 million of funding which has seen over 16,000 registrations. We are intensifying our work with the Joint Committee and supporting UK Internal Market Bill clauses that will give businesses certainty by delivering unfettered access to the whole of the UK.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner asked for agreements with the EU, but the answer did not address this specific point.

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Q2 Stephen Farry
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

The question follows concerns over the clarity and legal certainty provided to Northern Ireland businesses in light of the transition period ending soon. The issue is pressing as businesses need clear guidance on regulatory changes.

Question

With barely 700 hours left until the end of the transition period, it is absurd that so many issues still need clarification. Businesses require a clear legal framework to operate post-transition, including any grace periods agreed with the EU under the protocol. Unilateral action by the Government could place businesses in an uncertain legal position and cause long-term problems.

Answer from Brandon Lewis

There is a range of actions businesses can take now, such as signing up to the Trader Support Service. We are intensifying our work with the Joint Committee and supporting UK Internal Market Bill clauses that will give businesses certainty by delivering unfettered access to the whole of the UK.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner asked about agreements with the EU, but this was not addressed in the answer.

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Q3 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Business & Trade Environment
Context

The question arises due to concerns from constituents involved in the agrifood sector and other businesses regarding new labelling structures required by the end of the transition period. Businesses are concerned about costs associated with changes to labels.

Question

I have been contacted by a large number of my constituents who are involved in the agrifood sector and other businesses. With special reference to the packaging of products, including the new labelling structure, I am ever mindful of the approach of 31 December which has cost implications for labels as well. What information has been released for manufacturing companies to have certainty over their packaging?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

We have recently updated our guidance on labelling changes required at the end of the transition period, which is now available on gov.uk. I will ensure my office sends you the link so you can share it with inquiring businesses.

Answered
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