Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

UK-EU Trade and Co-operation Agreement

Tuesday 31 January 2023 · 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 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Secretary of State confirms having had calls/meetings with Vice-President Maro efovi since September, including dates from 30 September to 16 January.
  • The Secretary of State notes the complexity of exiting the EU and compares it to the hypothetical scenario of Scotland leaving the UK, suggesting closer analysis is needed for Scotland's fiscal situation if it were to join the EU.
  • The Secretary of State aims to provide clarity and maintain competitiveness for all UK industries, including financial services, and mentions the need for closer analysis of Scotland's fiscal situation if it were to join the EU.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Richard Thomson
Economy Brexit Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP is concerned about the ongoing negotiations between the UK and EU regarding the terms of their relationship post-Brexit. He references a recent IMF report indicating that the UK's economy will underperform compared to major competitor economies over the next 12 months.

Question

What recent discussions has he had with his EU counterparts on implementing the UK-EU trade and co-operation agreement? The MP notes three years since Brexit, the Government is still negotiating not only with the EU but internally. He mentions an IMF report showing that the size of the UK economy will shrink over the coming 12 months and perform more poorly than major competitor economies.

Answer from James Cleverly

The Secretary of State confirms having had calls/meetings with Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič since September, including dates from 30 September to 16 January. He acknowledges the complexity of exiting the EU and contrasts it with Scotland's potential exit from the UK, suggesting closer analysis is needed for Scotland's fiscal situation if it were to join the EU.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide any specific aspect enhanced by leaving on current terms

How: Contrasting With Another Hypothetical Scenario, Mentioning Complexity Without Specifics

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Q2 Richard Thomson
Economy Brexit Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP highlights the IMF report showing a projected economic downturn for the UK over the next year, worse than major competitor economies. He questions if there is any aspect of prosperity or standing in the world enhanced by leaving on current terms.

Question

With today's publication of an IMF report indicating poor performance by the UK economy compared to competitors, can he identify any aspect of prosperity or standing in the world that has been improved by Brexit?

Answer from James Cleverly

The Secretary of State acknowledges the complexity of exiting the EU and compares it to the hypothetical scenario of Scotland leaving the UK, suggesting closer analysis is needed for Scotland's fiscal situation if it were to join the EU. He notes the importance of a good working relationship with Maroš Šefčovič.

Not addressed: Changed subject entirely without addressing economic aspects or prosperity issues

How: Changing Topic, Hypothetical Comparison

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Q3 Alyn Smith
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

The MP is concerned about the clarity of future financial services passporting arrangements, noting a deadline for December 2023 when current arrangements will end. He mentions UK in a Changing Europe's report highlighting deadlines for further sectoral clarity.

Question

On the trade and co-operation agreement, UK in a Changing Europe highlighted various deadlines for sectors needing further clarity. With financial services passporting ending on 31 December this year, how is progress going to ensure the industry has clarity?

Answer from James Cleverly

The Secretary of State aims to provide clarity and maintain competitiveness for all UK industries, including financial services. He mentions that Scotland's potential exit from the UK would require closer analysis regarding its fiscal situation if it were to join the EU.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address progress on ensuring clarity for financial services sector

How: Mentioning Scotland'S Hypothetical Exit

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