UK Internal Market 2020-09-09
2020-09-09
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Discussions on the UK internal market are ongoing, with focus on its impact across different regions.
What discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the UK internal market White Paper. Sales produced in Scotland to the rest of the UK are £51.2 billion per year and over 60% of our exports.
I have frequent discussions with Cabinet colleagues on a range of matters relating to the UK internal market. The UK internal market is vitally important for our economy. Sales produced in Scotland to the rest of the UK are £51.2 billion per year and over 60% of our exports.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific discussions on the White Paper were not detailed
Vital Importance For Economy
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns over the UK's approach to its internal market, contrasting it with European standards.
By contrast to the Secretary of State's power surge, the European single market's principles are based on equality, co-operation and consent. If he claims that the policy is not a power grab, will he guarantee a mechanism for negotiation, agreement and consent between the four nations?
For standards, frameworks will be by consent across the United Kingdom. There is the opportunity for parties to opt out. As a safety net for business, we are introducing mutual recognition underpinning the European single market and non-discrimination protections.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific guarantee of mechanisms was not provided
Frameworks By Consent
Opt-Out Opportunity
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Analysis suggests a border effect could impact Scottish GDP, and Brexit's effects are projected as much more significant.
The gravity analysis in the internal market Command Paper shows a border between Scotland and rest of UK would have an 1.1% GDP impact. With Brexit expected to be seven times larger—losses around 8% for Scotland—when discussing with Scottish Government, will he bring forward another Command Paper insisting on single market inclusion?
We are leaving the EU, and I do not recognise his figures. We saw many projections on Brexit that were wrong. With good trade deals and UK legislation, we will strengthen the Scottish economy.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to bringing forward a command paper was avoided
Wrong Projections
Strengthening Scottish Economy
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns over breaking international law regarding the willingness to protect workers' rights and environmental standards.
Many in Newport West are astonished by comments suggesting breaking international law. Will he commit to a UK-wide framework protecting workers' rights and environmental standards within the internal market, and pledge to stick to it?
There are over 42 frameworks—I have not studied them all in detail, but I am sure those subjects will be covered. When we have frameworks, it is by consensus. Each member state can opt out, with the UKIM legislation protecting producers, suppliers, manufacturers and consumers alike.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment to framework was not provided
Frameworks By Consensus
Opt-Out Opportunity
Response accuracy