Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

UK-EU Negotiations: Devolved Administrations

Thursday 17 December 2020 · 2 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 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government has regular contact with Ministers in the devolved Administrations to ensure effective collaboration in negotiations with the EU.
  • Last meeting of the Joint Ministerial Committee on EU negotiations took place on 3 December.
  • The SNP has consistently opposed or abstained from voting on trade deals, which the Minister believes hinders Scotland's economic prosperity.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 John Lamont Con Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Brexit Business & Trade Local Government
Context

The question concerns discussions between the UK Government and devolved Administrations regarding ongoing trade negotiations with the European Union.

Question

What recent discussions have the Government had with the devolved Administrations on the UK's trade negotiations with the EU?

Answer from Michael Gove

It is the case that I have regular contact with Ministers in the devolved Administrations to ensure we can work effectively together in our negotiations with the EU, the last of which was on 3 December when the Joint Ministerial Committee on EU negotiations met.

Answered
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Q2 John Lamont Con Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Scotland Business & Trade
Context

The question criticises the Scottish National Party for its inconsistent support of trade deals presented in Parliament. It highlights concerns about job security due to the SNP's voting record against or abstaining from supporting these deals.

Question

Despite its warm words about being pro-trade, the Scottish National party has consistently voted against or abstained on trade deals coming before this House. Does the Minister agree that international trade is essential for supporting jobs across Scotland, and that by failing to support these trade deals the SNP is letting down workers across Scotland?

Answer from Michael Gove

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The SNP has never found a trade deal it could vote for or like at any point, which also means erecting barriers between Scotland and its biggest trading partner—the rest of the United Kingdom. Trade brings prosperity; hence, the SNP's stance against trade deals undermines Scotland's economic growth.

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