Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

European Political Community

Thursday 25 July 2024 · 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 1 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Discussions at the EPC summit enhanced European security cooperation and reaffirmed support for Ukraine.
  • The UK Government aims to build on meetings with Irish and French leaders to improve trade ties.
  • Forty-four countries signed a UK-led call to action against the Russian shadow fleet at the EPC summit.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Tonia Antoniazzi Lab Gower
Ukraine Foreign Affairs
Context

Discussions at the European Political Community summit have implications for UK policies.

Question

What assessment has he made of the implications for his policies of discussions at the European Political Community?

Answer from Nick Thomas-Symonds

Discussions at the EPC enhanced co-operation on European security and advanced the reset of our relationship with Europe. The EPC summit brought together 46 European leaders, recommitted to Ukraine's defence and announced a new call to action against the Russian shadow fleet.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific assessment of implications for UK policies, only general summary of discussions.

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Q2 Yuan Yang Lab Earley and Woodley
Business & Trade
Context

Small business owners in Earley and Woodley seek smoother relationships with European neighbours.

Question

Many small business owners have expressed a need for smoother trade relations. Can the Minister set out how he will build on meetings with Irish Taoiseach and French President to improve trade ties?

Answer from Nick Thomas-Symonds

I welcome my hon. Friend to her place. As our nearest neighbours and as close allies, both those relationships are of great importance to the UK and to this Government's plan to reset our European relationships. We look forward to working closely with the Irish and French Governments as we take forward our plans to improve the trading relationship.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific actions or commitments for improving trade ties, only general statements of importance.

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Q3 Tonia Antoniazzi Lab Gower
Ukraine Foreign Affairs
Context

The EPC summit provided additional support and signed up to a UK-led call to action.

Question

Can the Minister outline more about the additional support offered at the European Political Community summit? What impact is that expected to have?

Answer from Nick Thomas-Symonds

In the margins of the EPC, 44 countries signed up to a UK-led call to action to tackle the Russian shadow fleet. Ukraine signed bilateral security arrangements with Czechia and Slovenia.

Answered
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Q4 John Glen Con Salisbury
Brexit Foreign Affairs
Context

The Minister holds significant responsibilities including resetting EU relations, reforming the House of Lords, and delivering public inquiries.

Question

Given his responsibilities, will he confirm how he will work with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office?

Answer from Nick Thomas-Symonds

The written ministerial statement issued in the Prime Minister's name yesterday clearly sets out the division between the roles. I look forward to leading from the Cabinet Office on the cross-Department and cross-Whitehall UK-EU reset.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific details on working with FCDO, only referenced written statement.

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Q5 John Glen Con Salisbury
Brexit
Context

The House is curious about the Government's approach to changes with the EU.

Question

For clarity, will he describe how he expects to evaluate benefits of any changes in the relationship?

Answer from Nick Thomas-Symonds

The Government's approach was set out in the Labour manifesto that was endorsed overwhelmingly at the general election. We will not rejoin the European Union, we will not return to freedom of movement, and we will not rejoin the customs union or the single market.

Not addressed: Did not provide specific evaluation criteria for benefits, only reiteration of policy stance.

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Q6 Christine Jardine Lib Dem Edinburgh West
Immigration Brexit
Context

The Minister's role may be crucial in repairing the UK-EU relationship.

Question

What discussions did he have—or will he have—about extending the youth mobility scheme to the European Union?

Answer from Nick Thomas-Symonds

The Government have been clear that we will not be returning to freedom of movement, but clearly we want economic and cultural ties to be far closer than they are at the moment. The Government have already set out their objective of a sanitary and phytosanitary agreement.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific plans or discussions on extending youth mobility scheme, only general statements.

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