Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Jones and Christina Rees

Thursday 26th January 2017 Commons Chamber

[Mr Jones]

My right hon. Friend makes an extremely important point. British agricultural standards are among the highest in the world, and I assure him that the Government will do nothing to jeopardise the reputation that British farming enjoys.

[Christina Rees (Neath) (Lab/Co-op)]

Almost 40% of EU funds are spent on the common agricultural policy, so it is clear that supporting farming is a central aim of the European Union. Will the Minister comment on the schemes that the Government are considering as replacements for the CAP to reflect the importance of farming to the UK?

[Mr Jones]

The hon. Lady will know that the Government have already guaranteed the current level of CAP funding until 2020. I assure her that the Government will make sure that the interests of agriculture are at the very forefront of our calculations. British agriculture is a huge asset to this country, and we intend to protect it.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Jones and Christina Rees

Thursday 1st December 2016 Commons Chamber

[Christina Rees (Neath) (Lab/Co-op)]

16. My constituency is one of the most deprived areas in Europe. The last round of regional EU funding for Neath and Port Talbot launched 485 small and medium-sized enterprises, supported 7,300 people into work, and created 1,355 jobs and 5,000 apprenticeships. What is the Government’s plan to continue this vital financial support for Neath, Wales and the UK regions once the UK exits the EU?

[Mr Jones]

As the hon. Lady will know, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor has absolutely guaranteed the continuance of support for such programmes to 2020. She has to bear it in mind that the European Commission itself will not be making its own consideration of any future schemes until that time. We will of course take very seriously the issues that she mentions, but at this stage I cannot confirm anything.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Jones and Christina Rees

Wednesday 13th July 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr David Jones (Clwyd West) (Con)]

2. What assessment he has made of the potential consequences for Wales of the outcome of the EU referendum.

[Christina Rees (Neath) (Lab)]

4. What assessment he has made of the economic effect on Wales of UK membership of the EU.

[The Secretary of State for Wales (Alun Cairns)]

The British people have voted to leave the European Union, and my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has made it clear that their will must be respected and delivered. We are now preparing for a negotiated exit from the EU, which will involve close engagement with all the devolved Administrations to ensure that the interests of all parts of the United Kingdom are protected and advanced.