Trade UK and EU 2021-02-11
2021-02-11
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
Discussion about steps needed for goods to flow freely between the UK and the EU post-Brexit.
What steps are being taken by the Government to help ensure goods can continue to flow freely between the UK and the EU?
Our trade and co-operation agreement with the EU is based on zero tariffs and zero quotas, helping to unlock investment and protect high-value jobs in the UK. Goods are flowing freely through ports, but we are working closely with businesses facing challenges and engaging regularly with EU countries to smooth trade.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
Concerns raised by Grimsby fish exporters about additional paperwork and costs at French ports, hindering free trade despite the EU agreement.
Grimsby fish exporters are facing bureaucratic obstacles such as additional paperwork and costs at French ports. Will these issues be taken up to ensure continued high-quality seafood export?
A specific seafoods export working group meets twice weekly, and we are engaging with French authorities to ensure smooth trade of high-quality seafood from Great Grimsby.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
Concerns from Kings Lynn exporters about delays in HMRC transit documentation, customs clearance, and inconsistent demands by courier firms.
Exporters face delays due to HMRC documentation issues, inconsistencies in customs clearance across EU countries, and varying information declarations required by courier firms. Will these issues be addressed?
Working with courier companies, HMRC is looking at easements and facilitations, and we are engaging with EU partners to ensure a consistent approach to facilitate seamless trade.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern about the establishment of sanitary and phytosanitary trade committees under EU-UK trade deal.
When will the SPS and fishing trade committees be set up as required by the EU-UK trade deal? If the EU does not adhere to rules, will we restrict licenses for European vessels?
Difficulties and challenges exist but are being overcome. We will reserve our rights to ensure the EU upholds its side of the bargain.
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Assessment & feedback
specific timeline for committee establishment, exact retaliatory measures
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
A haulier in the constituency has experienced an 11-hour delay for animal-based products at Calais despite meeting SPS requirements.
An exporter faced a 11-hour delay with their vet-checked lorry seal on, despite meeting all requirements. Will this issue be raised and stressed to EU counterparts?
Delays are unacceptable; the case will be investigated.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
Problems faced by fishing exporters in the constituency exporting to EU, despite signed deal.
What action is being taken to ensure free export of fish products to the EU, and will retaliatory measures be considered?
Bureaucratic obstructions are being lifted. As an independent coastal state, we will ensure our fishermen's interests are backed up every step of the way.
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Assessment & feedback
specific actions against obstacles, exact retaliatory measures
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
60% of companies report difficulties importing/exporting to/from the EU, impacting supply chains.
Measures to ease border problems have been put in place but are they working effectively? When will these measures start making a difference?
Facilitations and easements have been put in place, some before the transition period. More support is being provided, particularly to SMEs, to take advantage of opportunities.
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Assessment & feedback
specific timeline for effectiveness of measures
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
A firm in Stewart Hosie's constituency, Wilde Mode Ltd, faces significant increases in delivery costs from Poland due to Brexit. Before Brexit, deliveries cost less than €40 but now are quoted at €2,000 for the same service.
I am struggling to see the advantages and new opportunities. A firm in my constituency, Wilde Mode Ltd, imports rolls of printed fabric from Poland. The delivery costs have increased from under €40 before Brexit to €2,000 now, making it unsustainable. When will measures to ease these problems be put in place fully and actually start to work?
I am grateful to raise the case of the firm in Dundee and will look specifically at Wilde Mode Ltd's challenges, including those faced by the Polish supplier and courier company. I aim to ensure any interruptions in supply from Poland to Dundee are addressed.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific timeline for implementation of measures was not provided
Will Look Specifically At
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
A survey by Make UK shows that 61% of manufacturers are experiencing disruptions to their supply chain. The Road Haulage Association reports more than half of its members throughout the UK are swamped by bureaucracy, causing significant problems for businesses.
The Make UK survey reveals 61% of manufacturers suffer from disrupted supply chains; a car company parks hundreds of cars due to these issues; road haulage in Northern Ireland is chaotic. The Road Haulage Association reports over half its members are overwhelmed by red tape. What will the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster do finally to ease such burdens on British companies, which are deeply damaging at this critical time?
I agree with the hon. Gentleman that building and buying British is crucial; the procurement Green Paper enables such practices. The Cabinet Office Minister, Lord Agnew, produced this paper. We meet business representatives weekly through the Brexit Business Taskforce to address challenges.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific actions or timelines for easing burdens were provided
I Could Not Agree More
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
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Context
The Government left companies with only a week between Christmas and New Year to adapt to new rules. The Prime Minister dismissed concerns as 'teething problems'. This has caused significant disruption to British business.
Does the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster recognise the scale of challenges facing British businesses? Companies had only a week between Christmas Eve and 1 January to adjust to hundreds of pages of new rules. When concerns were raised, the Prime Minister dismissed them as 'teething problems'. Will the Chancellor apologise for this disruption?
I take seriously the concerns raised. We meet business representatives weekly through the Brexit Business Taskforce to address challenges and explore opportunities. I welcome him to his new role in the shadow Cabinet Office team.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask for an apology was not addressed
I Take Seriously
Welcome Him
Response accuracy