Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Brexit Opportunities: Discussions with Welsh Government

Thursday 9 June 2022 · 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 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The officials and the Minister for Brexit Opportunities have had regular discussions with the Welsh Government on opportunities from Brexit, including a meeting on 23 May to discuss the Brexit freedoms Bill.
  • Post-Brexit freight traffic through Holyhead has decreased by 34 percent.
  • The Minister acknowledges that Holyhead's development is a priority but notes issues with the Northern Ireland protocol affecting transport choices.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Hywel Williams PC
Wales Brexit
Context

The UK has left the EU, raising questions about its impact on different regions. The Minister for Brexit Opportunities regularly engages with devolved administrations to discuss opportunities arising from Brexit.

Question

What recent discussions have taken place between the Minister for Brexit Opportunities and the Welsh Government regarding the UK's assessment of the merits of leaving the European Union?

Answer from Jacob Rees-Mogg

The officials and I have had regular engagement with the devolved Administrations, discussing opportunities from Brexit, including meetings on 23 May to discuss the Brexit freedoms Bill with the Counsel General and Minister for the Constitution. We aim to maximize benefits of Brexit for Wales.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific assessments or outcomes from discussions regarding the merits of leaving EU.

How: We Are Keen That Holyhead Should Flourish

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Q2 Hywel Williams PC
Transport Brexit
Context

Freight traffic through Holyhead has permanently declined by 34%, and the Secretary of State for Wales had promised talks to ensure Holyhead flourishes. There are concerns about whether these efforts have been successful.

Question

Post-Brexit freight traffic through Holyhead is down by 34%. In January last year, the Secretary of State said he was in talks with the Welsh Government to make sure that Holyhead “flourishes”. Does this Minister consider that Holyhead is flourishing?

Answer from Jacob Rees-Mogg

Holyhead's development is a priority, but competitive routes for transport exist. There are issues with the Northern Ireland protocol affecting transport choices. The Minister looks forward to further discussions on this matter.

Not addressed: Did not directly address whether Holyhead is flourishing or acknowledge the specific decline in freight traffic.

How: Competitive Routes For Transport, Northern Ireland Protocol

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