EU Trade Negotiations 2020-11-18
2020-11-18
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
There are ongoing discussions and negotiations between the UK government and devolved governments regarding trade with the EU.
What recent discussions has the Secretary of State for Wales had with Cabinet colleagues and representatives of the devolved Governments on trade negotiations with the EU?
The Secretary of State for Wales and I have regular discussions with ministerial colleagues and Welsh Ministers on a range of issues, including EU trade negotiations. The Joint Ministerial Committee on EU negotiations meets regularly, and my ministerial colleagues frequently discuss the EU trade negotiations with Ministers from all the devolved Administrations.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs made a controversial statement suggesting sheep farmers switch to beef due to higher tariffs, which has been widely criticized.
Given the comments by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs that sheep farmers should just switch over to beef in the face of higher tariffs, what confidence can hill farmers have that the British Government has their interests at heart when it comes to EU trade negotiations?
This Government are working very hard indeed to ensure that we get a full trade deal with the European Union. We have shown over and again how much support they will give to any industry that gets into trouble as a result of covid or other issues. The UK government has already offered substantial support during the pandemic.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific confidence in farmers' interests was not addressed directly, focusing instead on general trade deals and historical voting patterns.
Voting Record
Past Decisions
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The conduct of reserved matters such as trade can have significant implications for devolved competences, including agriculture.
Given the impact of reserved matters on devolved competences like agriculture, what concrete steps are the Government taking to develop the capacity of the Joint Ministerial Committee so that it fosters greater trust and transparency among the four nations?
I support devolution and will respect the choice made in referendums. I welcome closer co-operation between the UK and Welsh Governments over important issues such as agriculture, suggesting a commitment to fostering better relations but without specific concrete steps mentioned.
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Assessment & feedback
Concrete steps for improving capacity of Joint Ministerial Committee were not provided.
Personal Stance On Devolution
Historic Referendums
Response accuracy