UK-EU Negotiations Devolved Administrations 2020-12-17
2020-12-17
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question concerns discussions between the UK Government and devolved Administrations regarding ongoing trade negotiations with the European Union.
What recent discussions have the Government had with the devolved Administrations on the UK's trade negotiations with the EU?
It is the case that I have regular contact with Ministers in the devolved Administrations to ensure we can work effectively together in our negotiations with the EU, the last of which was on 3 December when the Joint Ministerial Committee on EU negotiations met.
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Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question criticises the Scottish National Party for its inconsistent support of trade deals presented in Parliament. It highlights concerns about job security due to the SNP's voting record against or abstaining from supporting these deals.
Despite its warm words about being pro-trade, the Scottish National party has consistently voted against or abstained on trade deals coming before this House. Does the Minister agree that international trade is essential for supporting jobs across Scotland, and that by failing to support these trade deals the SNP is letting down workers across Scotland?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The SNP has never found a trade deal it could vote for or like at any point, which also means erecting barriers between Scotland and its biggest trading partner—the rest of the United Kingdom. Trade brings prosperity; hence, the SNP's stance against trade deals undermines Scotland's economic growth.
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