Brexit Readiness: Operation Yellowhammer

Debate between Alison McGovern and Michael Gove

Wednesday 25th September 2019 Commons Chamber

[Michael Gove]

It was a pleasure to visit Holyhead and I appreciate the hon. Gentleman’s hard work not just on behalf of his constituents but in that port. I pay tribute to those who work there. Again, I stress that Yellowhammer is a reasonable worst-case scenario, which looks at a particular set of challenges. The Government have taken many other steps, including communication with the Welsh Assembly Government and their Labour Ministers, to ensure that we can support the port of Holyhead in its vital work.

[Alison McGovern (Wirral South) (Lab)]

The Minister told us that HMRC has allocated EORI numbers to 88,000 VAT-registered businesses that currently trade with the EU. However, two years ago, HMRC told the Treasury Committee that 130,000 such businesses need them. What has happened to the other 42,000?

[Michael Gove]

Many of them had applied beforehand for EORI numbers.