Transition Period Business 2020-12-16
2020-12-16
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
There is no specific event mentioned, but the context is that Welsh businesses need to prepare for changes after the end of the transition period with the EU.
What steps his Department is taking to help Welsh businesses prepare for the end of the transition period?
The Wales Office is engaged with businesses across Wales, urging them to prepare for the end of the transition period. The Department has guaranteed £337 million funding over this Parliament and is committed to supporting the farming industry in Wales.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific steps or mechanisms were detailed beyond a general message.
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arose from concerns expressed by sheep farmers in Builth Wells about their future support from the government during and after the transition period.
When I was speaking to sheep farmers in Builth Wells in my constituency at the weekend, they made it clear that they do not want to be a political football. They are keen to embrace the changes that will come, but they want the certainty that their Government will support them come what may. Will the Secretary of State confirm that he is working closely with all Cabinet colleagues to ensure that my sheep farmers are front and centre of the UK Government's mind when transition ends?
The Secretary of State confirmed a £337 million funding guarantee over this Parliament and assured that the Government supports the farming industry in Wales. He emphasised that the Government is committed to ensuring a healthy future for livestock in Wales.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question was prompted by concerns from small-scale fishermen in Porthdinllaen about the impact of potential no-deal scenarios and the Government's approach to Brexit.
Can the Secretary of State explain how his Government's vainglorious Trafalgar posturing with warships in the channel helps our small fishing vessels?
The Secretary of State referred to £2 million-worth of support for fisheries in Wales included in the spending review and highlighted his awareness of fishing issues off the coast of west Wales. He argued that leaving the common fisheries policy benefits Wales, even though this view may not align with Plaid Cymru's.
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Assessment & feedback
Explanation on how warships support small-scale fishermen was not provided.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The question was in response to the Prime Minister's latest U-turn on the UK Internal Market Bill and concerns about its impact on devolved powers.
Will the Secretary of State commit to a productive U-turn this time, and assure me that no other powers will be reserved through the internal market bill?
The Government's amendment to the UK Internal Market Bill is seen as listening carefully to arguments and not an act of evil. The Secretary of State argued that the bill aims at encouraging inward investment into Wales for jobs and livelihoods, contrary to what Plaid Cymru views.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific commitment regarding a U-turn was avoided.
Discussing Broader Economic Benefits Rather Than The Legal Impact Of The Bill
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The context involves concerns about whether inland checking facilities required ahead of full border checks will be in place on time.
Will my right hon. Friend say a bit more about what he is doing with the Welsh Government to ensure that the inland checking facilities that will be required ahead of the full implementation of new border checks will be in place, given the very challenging timetables that he is working to?
There is a complex relationship involving UK Government, HMRC, and Welsh Government at locations like Holyhead. However, there is daily work with the Welsh Government to ensure delivery timetables for inland checking facilities are met in places such as Fishguard and Pembroke.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific details on collaboration were not provided.
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK faces the possibility of a no-deal Brexit, with unclear trading terms for businesses. The CBI warned that preparing for such an outcome during a pandemic is unrealistic.
The Government's failure to get the Brexit deal means we still have no clue about the terms on which businesses will be trading from January. We face the very real prospect of a no-deal exit, risking chaos at our ports and shortages of critical goods. What is your message to Welsh businesses that now face a Brexit cliff edge in just a few days' time?
I have been working closely with colleagues in Cardiff, hosting joint webinars and seminars. We are engaging with businesses across Wales in limitless number of ways. The message I am getting from them is not the same as the message delivered by the hon. Gentleman. They are prepared and aware of challenges and opportunities. The hon. Gentleman's party was saying there would be no referendum, but it happened. They said they would not win the election, but they did.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not provide a specific message to Welsh businesses about their preparedness for no-deal Brexit
Attacking The Questioner'S Party
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
Local businesses in Cardiff North are concerned about supply chain delays, stockpiling issues, and tariff implications due to the uncertainty of a no-deal Brexit.
Businesses across Cardiff North are doing their best to protect against no deal but are worried about supply chain delays, stockpiling, and tariffs. They feel that they can put down sandbags but cannot prevent potential failures. Will the Secretary of State apologise for risking jobs and livelihoods by playing politics with Brexit, and will his Government be preparing to fail or failing to prepare?
The hon. Lady's party voted against a deal last year, increasing the risk of no deal. There has been considerable daily joint working between the Welsh Government under her own party's control and the UK Government over many months to minimize risks.
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Assessment & feedback
No apology was given or preparation status clarified for businesses in Cardiff North
Attacking The Questioner'S Party
Response accuracy