Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

UK-EU Trade and Co-operation Agreement

Wednesday 3 November 2021 · 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 2 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The UK Government have agreed a deal with the EU that fully delivers for Scotland, including an increased Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme.
  • Scotland's trade with the rest of the UK is worth over 50 billion and over half a million jobs, critical for the economy.
  • The Chancellor has given 41 billion in the block grant to Scotland, the largest ever since devolution began in 1998.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kirsten Oswald SNP
Scotland Business & Trade Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The SNP member is concerned about the impacts of Brexit on various sectors in Scotland.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the effect of the UK-EU trade and cooperation agreement on Scotland? Labour shortages are affecting social care, hospitality, food and drink. Up to a third of crops were left unharvested due to labour shortages. Will the government support a compensation fund for these issues?

Answer from Alister Jack

The UK Government have agreed a deal with the EU that fully delivers for Scotland. We have the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme increased from 2,500 to 30,000 workers and the successful EU settled status scheme with over 6 million applicants. The shortage occupations list also creates lower salary requirements for skilled workers.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask of supporting a compensation fund was not addressed

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Q2 Kirsten Oswald SNP
Scotland Business & Trade
Context

Concern over Scottish exports to England being hampered by the independence agenda.

Question

The principal export market for most businesses in my constituency is in England. The Scottish Government, rather than supporting those businesses, continues to pursue an independence agenda which could only mean more barriers. Does he share my frustration?

Answer from Alister Jack

My right hon. Friend is spot on. Scotland's trade with the rest of the UK is three times more than her trade with Europe. It is worth over £50 billion, it is worth over half a million jobs, and it is critical that we keep the border open.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q3 David Mundell Con Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
Economy Scotland Brexit
Context

Concern over the economic damage of Brexit to Scotland despite initial OBR projections.

Question

Scotland voted to remain in EU. This Government pursued Brexit against Scottish wishes, causing projected 4% smaller economy and reduced exports due to Brexit compared to pandemic effect. Given that the effects of Brexit are worse, why does he support it?

Answer from Alister Jack

The OBR predicted 4% economic growth in March but corrected to 6.5% in 2021 and 6% in 2022, showing our economy is recovering strongly as the fastest-growing in G7.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask of supporting Brexit was not addressed directly

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Q4 Mhairi Black SNP
Scotland Brexit
Context

Concern over EU providing a Brexit compensation fund to Ireland but no similar provision for Scotland.

Question

EU provided €1 billion to Ireland as Brexit compensation. Given that Brexit is damaging Scotland's economy, will the Secretary of State tell us when Scotland will receive its compensation fund and how much it will be?

Answer from Alister Jack

The Chancellor has given £41 billion in the block grant, up £4.6 billion and the largest ever block grant since devolution began in 1998. There was also almost £200 million in structural funds support this week.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask of a Brexit compensation fund was not directly addressed

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Q5 Mhairi Black SNP
Business & Trade
Context

Positive news for Scotch whisky industry with suspension of US-EU trade dispute. Seeking complete removal of tariffs.

Question

EU announced removing tariffs on American whisky, further de-escalation of the trade dispute between US and EU. Clearly positive news for Scotch whisky industry with 5-year suspension. Will the Secretary of State work with me to remove all tariffs on American whisky, supporting distillers in Moray?

Answer from Alister Jack

My hon. Friend makes a very good point. We were successful in taking the 25% tariff away, but it needs to be removed completely and not just suspended for years. The way to do that is by removing our tariffs on bourbon.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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

The MP notes severe consequences of Brexit, including food shortages, labour shortages, and business export difficulties in Scotland. He mentions that produce is rotting due to these issues.

Question

Brexit has been nothing other than an unmitigated disaster for Scotland. We now have food shortages, labour shortages, businesses unable to export their products and food rotting in the fields. Is it not about time, instead of all this mealy-mouthed nonsense, that the Secretary of State got to his feet and apologised to the people of Scotland for dragging our nation out of the European Union against its national collective will?

Answer from Alister Jack

I simply do not recognise what the hon. Gentleman says. We have been through the pandemic and it is far too early to say what any impacts are to make predictions, but what we do know is that our economy is growing. We are doing fantastic trade deals around the world, which will benefit the Scottish economy, and Scottish food and drink.

Not addressed: The specific request for an apology was not addressed.

How: It Is Far Too Early To Say, Stop Talking Down Scotland

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