Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Hannah Bardell and David Rutley

Thursday 17th January 2019 Commons Chamber

[Hannah Bardell (Livingston) (SNP)]

T3. Paterson Arran Ltd is a major, important employer in my constituency, and arguably produces the best shortbread in the world. It has written to me raising serious concerns about the impact of a no-deal Brexit. It imports a significant number of commodities, and its business would be seriously damaged by a no-deal Brexit. Will the Minister and the Cabinet now take a no-deal Brexit off the table, extend article 50, and take the vote to the people?

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (David Rutley)]

As I have said in reply to earlier questions, we are working very hard to ensure that there is a deal. We want to work with all parties to do that. I was impressed when I met businesses in Scotland with the Food and Drink Federation Scotland. We need to take these steps, and I understand where the company is coming from on those issues.