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EU Trading Relationship
24 April 2025
Lead MP
Andrew Lewin
Welwyn Hatfield
Lab
Responding Minister
Mr Douglas Alexander
Tags
ImmigrationEconomyBrexit
Word Count: 17410
Other Contributors: 32
At a Glance
Andrew Lewin raised concerns about eu trading relationship in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
I want to see a deal with mutual recognition of conformity assessments, deep alignment between the UK and EU on goods and services, and a bespoke visa-based youth mobility deal for those under 30.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
According to the Office for Budget Responsibility, barriers to trade imposed by leaving the EU will cost more than £100 billion over the medium term. The London School of Economics found that increased barriers have left the average person paying £250 more every year on their food shop.
Amanda Hack
Lab
North West Leicestershire
Supports the importance of effective trading relationships between North West Leicestershire and the EU, noting that logistics is a key sector for local economies and long-term growth.
Andrew Griffith
Con
Arundel and South Downs
We seek more trade with our European neighbours but already have a tariff-free deal for goods. Labour’s EU reset is a plan to overturn the referendum in substance, if not name.
Ben Coleman
Lab
Chelsea and Fulham
Called for lowering barriers for small and medium-sized firms, highlighted an example of a wine importer having to pay extra £160 per shipment due to new regulations. Called for cool-headed and ambitious negotiations in trade discussions.
Ben Goldsborough
Lab
South Norfolk
Stressed the importance of closer ties with the EU for scientific research and economic growth in Norfolk. Talked about research and innovation labs in his constituency, highlighting the importance of international supply chains and research collaboration.
Brian Mathew
Con
Melksham and Devizes
Called for improved relations with the EU to support local businesses exporting products like cheese. Spoke about the need to maintain high standards in farming and strengthening trading relationships with the EU.
Carla Denyer
Green
Bristol Central
Focused on the importance of environmental protections for sand eels and seabirds in British waters. Commented on the change of leadership, feeling relief that the clown show is over and we have a serious Prime Minister.
Catherine Fookes
Con
Monmouthshire
At her recent business roundtable in Monmouthshire, she highlighted the increased costs and paperwork faced by businesses exporting to the EU. Post-Brexit trade deals have been poor for Wales, with businesses facing barriers such as paperwork. Catherine demands regulatory alignment with EU standards to facilitate smoother trade relations. Asked to pass good wishes to Minister for Cabinet Office for work ahead of UK-EU summit next month.
Clive Jones
Con
Wokingham
Critiqued the Conservative government's trade deals, citing increased red tape and reduced export growth compared to OECD average. Highlighted statistics showing damage done by predecessors and asked if government would act only in national interest.
Iqbal Mohamed
Ind
Dewsbury and Batley
Two in three Brits now back a closer relationship with the EU, reflecting a shift in public opinion since US elections. The UK needs to act in national interest despite fears of political backlash from Reform. Urged the government to write a new chapter in trade strategy and suggested publishing it within weeks.
Lewes
Discussed the need for a full customs union with the EU to protect fishing rights, environmental protection measures, and the primacy of NATO.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
His concerns and needs of Northern Ireland were mentioned as never far from government thoughts.
Joe Powell
Lab
Kensington and Bayswater
The instability from the botched Brexit deal has hurt investment, jobs, growth, and family relationships in my constituency. I urge closer cooperation on security with the EU, a bespoke youth mobility scheme for UK-EU citizens under 30, and practical steps to improve trade relations. Referred to the changed context on our continent, highlighting red tape and uncertainty left by predecessors.
Josh Dean
Lab
Hertford and Stortford
Supports the proposal for a youth mobility scheme to be discussed at the EU-UK summit, highlighting its benefits for young people's exploration and learning.
Liam Byrne
Lab
Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North
Highlights opportunities for deeper co-operation between UK and EU in areas such as defence, regulation, energy, services, and innovation, proposing 20 measures to reset the relationship. Made a speech highlighting wider geopolitical perspectives from the spring meetings in Washington.
Liam Conlon
Lab
Beckenham and Penge
Emphasised the importance of economic co-operation with the EU and supported a youth mobility scheme for young people to study, work, and thrive across Europe. Reminded the House of the need to reject isolationism, referring to the Good Friday agreement.
Martin Rhodes
Lab
Glasgow North
Focused on the challenges faced by UK creative industries, such as music and performing arts, due to different regulations in each EU member state. Discussed the challenges faced by touring artists and the importance of the creative industries.
Mike Reader
Lab
Northampton South
The logistics sector, employing one in five people in Northampton South, faces significant challenges due to red tape and uncertainty caused by Brexit. There is a need for a hard reset of the UK's trading relationship with the EU. Brought professional experience working across Europe, making a case for mutual recognition of professional qualifications.
Monica Harding
Lab
Esher and Walton
The current fragmented and bureaucratic arrangements with the European Union undermine our growth and prosperity. The Government must form a customs union with the EU and revitalise our trade relationship to provide certainty and optimism. Urged leadership to follow trade and money rather than post-imperial delusions.
Orkney and Shetland
He emphasised the need for a sanitary and phytosanitary agreement and alignment in standards, especially in the fishing sector.
Calvin Bailey
Lab
Leyton and Wanstead
Asked about the defence industry businesses in Bristol suffering from inadequate funding from Europe, suggesting a defence, security and industrial bank to unlock investment for these firms.
Carmichael
SNP
Orkney and Shetland
Made the case for an SPS agreement for fishermen in his constituency and stressed the need for it.
Creasy
Lab
Walthamstow
Suggested numerous powerful suggestions for UK-EU summit, focusing on closer ties with Europe.
Perran Moon
Lab
Camborne and Redruth
Raises concerns about the impact of Brexit on fishing communities, stressing the need for fair negotiations that protect livelihoods in these industries. Brought a Cornish perspective to the debate regarding unnecessary trade barriers.
Peter Prinsley
Lab
Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket
Highlights the importance of a smooth trading relationship for British businesses. Mentions the challenges faced by smaller companies like Beautiful Beers due to post-Brexit customs issues. Discussed the impact of trade barriers on small businesses, particularly mentioning Carl the crane's business.
Phil Brickell
Lab
Bolton West
Highlighted the importance of civic relationships with European partners, referencing Bolton's twinning with Paderborn in Germany. Spoke about civic ties between his community and Germany, referencing the European project's aim of peace, security, and prosperity.
Sarah Olney
LD
Richmond Park
The UK-EU summit next month offers an opportunity to rebuild our relationship with Europe and move beyond the current warm words of pragmatism towards serious action. Urged government to take serious action to strengthen trading relationships with EU.
Stephen Gethins
SNP
Arbroath and Broughty Ferry
Critiques the impact of Brexit on the economy and rights, particularly affecting SMEs and services sectors. Suggests rejoining the customs union or single market to mitigate economic damage. Spoke about the referendum in Scotland, denying that a pro-EU stance would have led to being outside the EU.
Steve Race
Lab
Exeter
The UK should deepen its defence and security partnership with Europe and explore alignment with the pan-Euro-Mediterranean convention for streamlined trade without EU membership. Expressed concerns over barriers faced by UK exports to the EU, noting a 15% fall in trade intensity according to OBR. Acknowledged need for partnerships with like-minded nations, emphasizing security and defence given geopolitical changes.
Tom Hayes
Lab
Bournemouth East
Called for closer UK-EU relations as a pragmatic approach to improve prosperity and address the economic challenges faced by constituents due to Brexit. Discussed divisions within families and communities during the Brexit referendum and supported efforts to strengthen trading relationships without reopening old wounds.
Tony Vaughan
Lab
Folkestone and Hythe
Agreed that reducing regulatory barriers on food and drink exports would help reduce friction at Dover and throughout the road network.
Uma Kumaran
Lab
Stratford and Bow
Stresses the importance of recognising the EU as a key partner for growth. Highlights the impact of SPS misalignment on organisations like ZSL, which could be solved with an ambitious SPS agreement. Emphasised the need for an SPS agreement and highlighted local businesses' concerns.
Vikki Slade
Con
Mid Dorset and North Poole
A recent YouGov poll of over 15,000 people showed that nearly half want trade with the EU as a top priority. Vikki calls for urgent focus on defence spending in Europe to support British jobs and industries. Touched on the need for spending on defence to reflect changing circumstances in Euro-Atlantic security area.
Government Response
Mr Douglas Alexander
The Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security
Government Response
Acknowledged the points raised by MPs, highlighted the need to deliver a long-term UK-EU strategic alliance that grows the economy, noted the current status of trade with EU bloc which is still the largest trading market for the UK covering £813 billion, and pointed out that UK exports to the EU were 5% lower in 7/2024 than in 7/2018. Confirmed the Government's commitment to negotiate a veterinary agreement on sanitary and phytosanitary measures, noting that agrifood producers are affected by checks when exporting to the EU. Discussed the drop in UK exports of agrifood products to the European Union between 2018 and 2024 and the potential benefits of an SPS agreement estimated at increasing UK agrifood exports by 22.5%. Mentioned ongoing discussions on a youth mobility scheme without providing details due to manifesto commitments on net migration. Stressed the importance of strengthening MRPQ arrangements for businesses accessing right talent and recognising professional qualifications between the UK and the EU.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.