Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

UK Preparedness: End of Transition

Thursday 17 December 2020 · 4 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government has prepared extensively for the end of the transition period, including support for border infrastructure and customs intermediaries.
  • The International Trade Secretary is actively helping the whisky sector and discussing issues with US trade representatives.
  • General Dynamics in Merthyr Tydfil is receiving support and investment under the defence industrial strategy.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Chris Elmore Lab Bridgend
Economy Brexit Business & Trade
Context

The UK is approaching the end of the transition period following Brexit, raising concerns about job security and business operations.

Question

I am concerned that my constituents in Bridgend are worried about maintaining jobs and supporting businesses at the end of the transition period. What steps is the Government taking to address these issues?

Answer from Michael Gove

The government has prepared extensively for the end of the transition period, including through a package of support for border infrastructure and customs intermediaries. A trader support service is available for businesses trading under the Northern Ireland protocol, and we are scaling up Government helplines.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures to maintain jobs and direct financial support for businesses were not specified

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Christine Jardine Lib Dem Edinburgh West
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

Local businesses in Edinburgh are experiencing difficulties due to uncertainty about future regulations and relationships with the European Union.

Question

Local businesses in Edinburgh West, particularly those like the whisky sector, are having issues with product labelling amid an unclear relationship with the EU. Can you extend the adjustment period or provide any other form of support?

Answer from Michael Gove

We need to do everything possible to support Scottish businesses. The International Trade Secretary is actively helping the whisky sector, including discussions with US trade representatives. We aim to ensure a smooth glide path in our free trade agreement for all businesses.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific extension of adjustment period or detailed support measures were not mentioned

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Rupa Huq Lab Ealing Central and Acton
Crime & Law Enforcement Brexit
Context

There are concerns about police access to real-time criminal databases after the UK leaves the EU, impacting cross-border crime enforcement.

Question

How will our police have access to real-time Schengen most-wanted criminal databases in 14 days' time? With 15,000 extradition requests last year, how can you guarantee that Britain does not become a safe haven for criminals?

Answer from Michael Gove

We have extensive security and law enforcement co-operation with the European Union and beyond. We will utilise all necessary instruments to keep people safe.

Not addressed: No specifics on maintaining database access or exact measures were provided

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Get updates like this by email
Q4 Chris Elmore Lab Bridgend
Defence Wales Brexit
Context

INEOS, a significant employer, has decided to build its vehicles elsewhere due to Brexit-related reasons, affecting skilled manufacturing jobs in Bridgend.

Question

INEOS, a vocal supporter of Brexit, is moving production to France instead. This decision impacts my constituents heavily involved in advanced manufacturing. What assurances can you give me about support for job growth and highly skilled manufacturing?

Answer from Michael Gove

In South Wales, there is a concentration of skilled workers in advanced manufacturing. General Dynamics in Merthyr Tydfil is receiving support and investment under the defence industrial strategy. I look forward to working with constituents to ensure prosperity.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific guarantees or measures for INEOS-related job losses were provided

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

Get updates like this by email