Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

UK-EU Trading Relationship

Thursday 10 July 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 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • UK Government confirms no new or existing trade deal will lead to the UK rejoining the EU.
  • Minister pledges to expedite new trade arrangements as quickly as possible.
  • UK Government supports the Windsor framework for trade checks and monitoring.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Sarah Pochin Reform Runcorn and Helsby
Brexit Energy Business & Trade
Context

The UK joined the European Economic Community in 1973, now the EU. This week, the French President visited, indicating closer cooperation with the EU.

Question

Given this week’s visit by the French President and this Government’s desire for closer co-operation with the EU, will the Minister confirm that no new or existing trade deal will lead to this country rejoining the EU through the back door?

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

That is absolutely not the case. What we have with the European Union is a new deal that the supermarkets say has put downward pressure on prices, and which Octopus Energy says will bring the cost of energy down.

Answered
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Q2 Desmond Swayne Con New Forest West
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

A shellfish farmer on a BBC radio programme suggested that while UK-EU trade might become easier, the timeline for changes is uncertain or may not happen at all.

Question

Given what we have negotiated away, can those changes be expedited?

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

I am determined to expedite these new arrangements as quickly as possible. It is fantastic to see the Opposition take that position—I thought the right hon. Gentleman’s Front Benchers were against them.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The minister did not provide specific details on expediting changes for shellfish farmers.

How: Focuses On Opposition'S Stance

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Q3 Mike Wood Con Kingswinford and South Staffordshire
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

The Federation of Small Businesses Northern Ireland reported that a third of businesses which previously traded between Great Britain and Northern Ireland have stopped doing so.

Question

Under the existing framework, the UK is entitled to take unilateral measures to protect the internal market where there is a diversion of trade. Does the Minister consider a third of businesses ceasing to trade as representing a diversion of trade?

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

On 1 July, we introduced phase 3 checks under the Windsor framework. The Windsor framework was negotiated by the previous Government, and we supported it from the Opposition Benches. I assume that the Conservatives continue to support those arrangements. Obviously, we monitor the issue of trade diversion very carefully.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The minister did not directly address whether a third of businesses ceasing to trade qualifies as a diversion of trade.

How: Focuses On Phase 3 Checks And Monitoring

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Q4 Sarah Olney Lib Dem Richmond Park
Brexit
Context

The UK has recently reached a small trade agreement with the EU, its largest trading partner. The Prime Minister received a state visit from French President Emmanuel Macron.

Question

Now that UK-EU relations are at a turning point, does the Minister agree that it is finally time to be more ambitious, drop the red lines, cut the red tape, and aim to negotiate a UK-EU customs union that would boost the public coffers by £25 billion a year?

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

We have delivered an ambitious new trading arrangement with the European Union. We have also delivered a new free trade agreement with India and an economic deal with the United States. What the hon. Lady is suggesting would take away our freedom to be able to do that, which is contributing to our economy.

Not addressed: The minister did not address whether dropping red lines for a customs union was considered.

How: Focuses On Free Trade Agreements With Other Countries

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