Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Relations with the EU

Thursday 23 January 2025 · 4 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 1 Not answered 1

Key points

  • Minister for Culture confirms negotiating a deal to support UK artists touring internationally remains a priority.
  • The Government states they take a pragmatic approach to tearing down trade barriers within their established policy framework.
  • The Paymaster General responds to a question about dynamic alignment with the EU without confirming its status on the negotiation table.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Richard Baker Lab Glenrothes and Mid Fife
Brexit Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The MP notes that UK's arts sector is vital to the economy.

Question

Does the Minister agree that the arts, musicians and the wider creative sector play a vital role in our economy, which is why working to negotiate a deal with touring artists is so important? Will the Minister confirm that this is still a priority for him?

Answer from Nick Thomas-Symonds (The Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office)

My hon. Friend makes a good point, and I can confirm that our priority remains ensuring that UK artists can continue to perform and promote themselves around the world. That is why the Department for Culture, Media and Sport is working collaboratively with the creative sector and across Government to address key issues for our brilliant artists and their support staff touring the EU.

Answered
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Q2 Joe Morris Lab Hexham
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

The MP mentions businesses in his constituency are concerned about trade barriers.

Question

I am frequently contacted by businesses in my constituency who are deeply concerned about the trade barriers put up by the previous Government that are damaging growth in the north-east. May I urge my right hon. Friend in the strongest possible terms to prioritise pragmatism in our relations with the EU and to ensure that businesses in my part of the country can get the support they need and export the goods they manufacture?

Answer from Nick Thomas-Symonds (The Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office)

My hon. Friend raises a good point. Of course, we set out in our manifesto that we would not return to the single market, to the customs union or to freedom of movement. Within that framework, we absolutely take a pragmatic approach, putting the national interest first to tear down trade barriers wherever we can.

Answered
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Q3 Alex Burghart Con Brentwood and Ongar
Brexit
Context

The MP asks about dynamic alignment mentioned by Mr Šefčovič.

Question

Yesterday in Davos, Mr Šefčovič suggested that the UK and the EU were talking about dynamic alignment. As the Paymaster General will be aware, that is, if true, a very significant step. Will he be clear with the House: is dynamic alignment on the table?

Answer from Nick Thomas-Symonds (The Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office)

I have to give the hon. Gentleman top marks for audacity. I do not know whether Conservative MPs have heard, but a week ago, the Leader of the Opposition gave her new year speech, and, as I am sure they know, we listened to it extremely carefully.

Not answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address the question asked.

How: Changing The Subject

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Q4 Sarah Olney Lib Dem Richmond Park
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

The MP references the negative impacts of Brexit on British businesses and the changing global landscape due to a potential Trump administration return. She cites her party leader's emphasis on rebuilding relations with Europe.

Question

Why has the wholly inadequate deal with the EU negotiated by the previous Conservative Government done enormous damage to British businesses, which have seen soaring import costs, increased workforce shortages, and reams of red tape creating huge barriers to growth? The return of a Trump Administration in Washington changes the landscape of trade deals globally. Does the Minister agree that the best way to boost growth and fix our relationship with the EU is to agree on a new UK-EU customs union?

Answer from Nick Thomas-Symonds

We do not choose between allies. We are looking to deepen our trade links right around the world with different partners, but I should inform the hon. Lady that we are ambitious on the UK-EU relationship and will take this ambition forward into the upcoming UK-EU summit.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific question about a new customs union was not directly addressed; instead, a general statement was made about deepening trade links with various partners.

How: We Do Not Choose Between Allies, Looking To Deepen Our Trade Links Right Around The World

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