UK-EU Relations

2026-06-25

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Martin Rhodes Lab
Glasgow North
Context
EU corporate sustainability due diligence directive affects trade.
Improving our relationship with the EU is about trade barriers, but it is also about standards. Many UK companies already follow the EU's corporate sustainability due diligence directive in order to trade with our biggest external market. Without alignment, we risk becoming a dumping ground for unethically sourced products while responsible UK companies are undercut by less responsible enterprises. What conversations has the Minister had with Cabinet colleagues about aligning our human rights and environmental due diligence regime with that of the EU, to protect UK companies that do the right thing?
The UK supports the EU's efforts to promote sustainable and responsible corporate behaviour within global value chains. We will continue to review the impact of measures taken by the EU and other countries, including, as my hon. Friend suggested, to see what lessons can be drawn from other jurisdictions to inform the UK's approach.
Assessment & feedback
Specific conversations with Cabinet colleagues not mentioned
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Rebecca Smith Con
South West Devon
Context
Questions about the Minister's discussions with US and EU counterparts.
I was recently in Washington DC. On several occasions, our American counterparts raised concerns about the future of the EU-UK relationship and realignment. What discussions has the Paymaster General had with his US counterparts, as well as with EU counterparts?
I am very pleased with the economic deal with the United States that this Government have delivered and with the advantages that it brings, particularly for our automotive sector, including the jobs saved at Jaguar Land Rover. It is perfectly possible, as the Government are demonstrating, to sign free trade and economic deals around the world while having a close relationship with the EU.
Assessment & feedback
Discussion of EU-US relations but not US counterparts specifically
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Jeff Smith Lab
Manchester Withington
Context
Agreement at the May 2025 summit to establish a UK-EU youth experience scheme.
Following the agreement at the May 2025 summit to establish a UK-EU youth experience scheme, can the Minister update the House on the progress of negotiations on the scheme and confirm that it remains a Government priority?
I certainly can. Negotiations have been proceeding very well. I look forward to making the case for those opportunities to work, travel and study for young people—I think it is very exciting.
Assessment & feedback
No specific timeline or commitments given
Looking At This
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Alec Shelbrooke Con
Wetherby and Easingwold
Context
Questions about the Minister's position regarding his work on UK-EU relations.
The negotiations for the new relationship with the EU have been the body of the Minister's work, so what pitch will he make to the right hon. Member for Makerfield (Andy Burnham) about how important it is that he carries on doing this work, or will he give up so that he does not have to be involved in the right hon. Member's flip-flopping?
I am very proud of the Government's work over the past two years. I do not think there is any doubt at all that the UK-EU relationship is in a significantly better place today than when we came into office. I look forward to making the case for a deal that will be good for jobs and for securing our borders.
Assessment & feedback
Discussion of overall progress, not specific pitch to Andy Burnham
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q5 Direct Answer
Mike Wood Con
Kingswinford and South Staffordshire
Context
Questions about the Government's plan to tie into a multi-year programme without stating future year costs.
The Minister has submitted in answers to written questions that there will be no substantive vote in this House on UK association to Erasmus+, even though the Government plan to tie us into a multi-year programme without saying what it will cost after the first year. The Defence Secretary resigned because the Chancellor will not provide the funding we need for our defence, but apparently money is no object when it comes to this programme. Will the Minister finally tell us the Government's own central estimate for the programme, or must the public rely on press reports of an £8 billion bill?
We have re-accession to Erasmus+ from next year at a cost of £570 million, after I negotiated a 30% discount. After 10 months, there is a review clause so that we can balance participation versus cost. I have looked after every penny in this negotiation, and I have not signed up to things that do not deliver value for money.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Mike Wood Con
Kingswinford and South Staffordshire
Context
Questions about the cancellation of Turing scheme and its replacement by Erasmus+.
I think everybody will have heard that the Minister has again refused to give any indication as to what he thinks would be an acceptable bill. The Government used the cover of the Prime Minister's resignation on Monday to sneak out a written ministerial statement to say that the Turing scheme was being cancelled —a good day to bury bad news. Turing reached 43,000 UK students and provided opportunities in 153 countries for £105 million. Six of the 10 most popular destinations were outside Europe. Erasmus+ will send about half as many UK students abroad as it will bring in, and for more than five times the cost. Given all that, and the Minister's unwillingness to indicate what the long-term budget will be, how can he possibly be confident that this programme provides five times the value of the scheme that it apparently replaces?
Because it has a 10-month review clause to ensure that it is delivering value for money. Under Erasmus+, there are still opportunities to go around the world. I say quite candidly to the hon. Gentleman that he should look very carefully at all the different opportunities under Erasmus+. It is not just about traditional studies. People studying vocational qualifications go overseas as well, such as those studying sport coaching.
Assessment & feedback
No specific commitment regarding value for money
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Lisa Smart Lib Dem
Hazel Grove
Context
It has been 10 years since the EU referendum vote, with significant geopolitical changes including US President Trump's tenure and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Labour Party is perceived to have red lines that are limiting opportunities for closer UK-EU cooperation.
This week marked 10 years since the EU referendum vote, and the world has changed since then, with an unreliable Trump in the White House and Putin bombing schools in Ukraine. Labour's red lines are hurting the British people and playing into the hands of those who seek to divide us. It was made clear to me in Brussels last month that there is real openness to Liberal Democrat plans for a sensible, pragmatic and deliverable plan for closer working. Will the Paymaster General commit to urging the new Prime Minister to drop Labour's red lines and back Lib Dem plans for a new UK-EU growth and defence partnership?
We have been building a growth and defence partnership without moving Labour's red lines; this is what I have been doing every week. The hon. Lady advocates for a customs union but the Government has secured free trade deals with India, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and an economic deal with the United States.
Assessment & feedback
Commitment to urging new Prime Minister to adopt Liberal Democrat proposals for enhanced cooperation
Highlighting Government'S Achievements Questioning Opposition'S Stance
Response accuracy