Trade with the EU 2021-12-02
2021-12-02
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The MP seeks an update on recent UK-EU trade developments.
What recent assessment she has made of trends in the level of UK trade with the EU?
UK trade in goods with the EU has been increasing this year. According to the latest data available, goods exports in September were up by 5.7% on those in the previous month.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Between 2019 and 2021, Scotland saw a significant decrease in exports compared to other regions. The MP references the negative impact of Brexit on UK businesses.
Between 2019 and 2021, the value of exports from Scotland decreased by 24%. In England it was 12%, in Wales it was 24%, and in the north of Ireland it was 15%. This follows a period of steady decline since 2018. It is economic vandalism. There is hardly a sector in the country that does not attribute at least some of the blame for its difficulties to Brexit. What agreement that removes all tariff and non-tariff barriers do the Government plan to make with another country that can account for 48% of all UK trade?
Goods exports between Scotland and the European Union were up 4% in quarter 2 compared with the same period last year. We are getting growth back after a period of dealing with the pandemic and other shocks to the global economy, and I ask the hon. Gentleman and his colleagues to start focusing on those opportunities.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific agreement to remove all tariff and non-tariff barriers was not addressed.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP criticizes the handling of Brexit and its negative impact on British businesses.
If the members of the Minister's party had not cold-shouldered the positive and constructive suggestions made by the Scottish Government immediately after the referendum—if they had even bothered to open and read the document—we might not be in the mess that we are in now. This month, our figure has improved slightly from an all-time low, which is nothing to celebrate. Exports of food and drink from the United Kingdom to Europe have halved. The Food and Drink Federation has described that as a “disaster” and said that there have been only tiny gains in other markets. There was never going to be a Brexit that would be good for British businesses, but why do the Government not finally come clean and admit that their botched handling of Brexit has made the position even worse?
I ask the hon. Gentleman: what possible good could come from plugging every part of the UK economy back into the global economy, including the trading powerhouses of the future in emerging parts of the world? What possible good could come from championing a free trade policy globally that would end trade distortions and lift millions of people out of poverty?
▸
Assessment & feedback
Changing Subject To Global Opportunities
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP highlights the recent increase in UK exports to EU and suggests focusing on central and eastern Europe for future opportunities.
Is it not interesting that my right hon. Friend highlights the recent increase in exports to the European Union, in stark contrast to the doom and gloom that we heard from our opponents, who are saying that there will be a catastrophe and collapse in trade? Will she focus on the countries in central and eastern Europe and the Three Seas initiative—some of the fastest-growing countries on our continent—and build strong bilateral trade agreements with countries such as Poland and others?
I thank my hon. Friend for highlighting the opportunities that exist there. Clearly, we had good news recently on exports, but we also had fantastic news about inward investment and he is right to be optimistic. I think that our businesses are going to thrive in this new environment.
▸
Assessment & feedback
General Optimism Without Specifics
Response accuracy