European Union: Trade
Debate between Baroness Twycross and Lord Purvis of Tweed
Baroness Twycross (Lab)
These two Questions I have been responding to today do have an element of similarity. I agree with the noble Lord that our relationships with Europe are related to trade but they also have to be related to security. We want to deepen co-operation within areas where the EU has unique capabilities, such as sanctions, countering disinformation, military mobilisation, and civilian crisis management and support—particularly to Ukraine. It is quite sobering to remember and recognise that, while we are talking about commemorating the Second World War, we do have war in Europe currently.
Lord Purvis of Tweed (LD)
My Lords, can the Minister give a couple of economic arguments for why we would not want to be in a customs arrangement with the European Union?
Baroness Twycross (Lab)
We had an election, and this Government stood on not rejoining the customs union. We keep our promises as a party, and I make no apology for doing so.
Film Industry
Debate between Baroness Twycross and Lord Purvis of Tweed
Baroness Twycross (Lab)
I will take back my noble friend’s points about mental health and the role of freelancers and speak to my noble friend Lady Merron and the Minister of State about these significant issues.
Lord Purvis of Tweed (LD)
My Lords, I think the whole House will agree with the Minister that film production is a real driver for regional growth, including in Scotland, where I live, like the noble Baroness, Lady Fraser. However, about 45 minutes ago, the noble Baroness, Lady Anderson, answered a Question on the pausing of the Northern Ireland city deals. The Belfast city deal includes investment for Studio Ulster. The Government are to be commended for promoting investment in film production, but they are simultaneously pausing it. Why?
Baroness Twycross (Lab)
I understand that there is no pause to the funding for the Belfast deal.