Future Relationship with the EU 2020-11-12
2020-11-12
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Questions & Answers
Q1
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The question arises from ongoing UK-EU negotiations post-Brexit transition period.
What recent assessment has been made of the progress of the UK's negotiations with the EU?
Negotiations are continuing in London this week, and this is a continuation of the intensive talks that both sides agreed to on 21 October. Progress is being made, but divergences remain. The UK will continue to engage in negotiations on a free trade agreement, with Lord Frost leading the UK's negotiation team.
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Q2
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The levelling up agenda aims to improve economic and social opportunities across different regions.
In pursuit of the levelling up agenda, will my right hon. Friend provide an update on the progress being made to ensure that powers released from EU treaties are devolved to local and regional government?
As we take power back from the European Union, we are working with the devolved Administrations in Holyrood, Cardiff, and Belfast, as well as with local government leaders and metro Mayors—including Ben Houchen in Teesside—to ensure that powers are distributed in a more equitable and progressive fashion.
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Q3
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The question addresses the UK's negotiating stance with the EU, particularly regarding concessions.
These negotiations are not going well and time is running out. What exactly, if anything, is the UK willing to concede or compromise on?
The UK has shown a great degree of flexibility in these negotiations, but it is important that the European Union shows flexibility too. There needs to be full recognition that we are sovereign equals; any attempt to extend EU jurisdiction by other means will be incorrect.
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Q4
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Concerns have been raised about the preparedness for post-transition period logistical challenges, especially in relation to Northern Ireland.
May I remind the Minister that the Road Haulage Association described the Government's preparations as 'chaotic' and said logistics may not be able to deliver goods. Can he give a guarantee there will be no jobs lost or goods undelivered when we hit the end of the transition period?
In discussions at the Joint Committee, it is important to ensure that people in Northern Ireland have unfettered access to the rest of the UK. We are confident that Maroš Šefčovič will work pragmatically to ensure the secure future of Northern Ireland.
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Q5
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There are concerns about the UK's ability to secure real-time data for border security after losing access to shared databases.
Without access to previously shared databases, how will we get the real-time information needed to detect foreign criminals at ports and airports?
Once out of the transition period, we will take back control over our borders. We can end abuse of ID cards and have total discretion over who enters the country through safety and security declarations for Border Force to monitor organised criminals more effectively.
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Q6
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Questions persist regarding the effectiveness of Border Force's ability to detect foreign criminals without EU databases.
The Police Superintendents Association expressed concern about information sharing being less effective. Which real-time system will be available for Border Force to identify foreign criminals without access to SIS II?
Border Force will have a more effective means of monitoring organised criminals through safety and security declarations. We enhance our ability to deal with criminality by taking back control over borders.
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