EU Exit: End of Transition Period Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

EU Exit: End of Transition Period

Lord Roberts of Llandudno Excerpts
Wednesday 15th July 2020

(4 years, 3 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Baroness Henig Portrait The Deputy Speaker
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I understand that the noble Lord, Lord Griffiths of Burry Port, no longer wishes to speak, so I call the noble Lord, Lord Roberts of Llandudno.

Lord Roberts of Llandudno Portrait Lord Roberts of Llandudno (LD) [V]
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I checked, and Dublin Port has spent €30 million in preparation for the new arrangements after the European Union loses the United Kingdom. I decided to check the other side of the Irish Sea: Holyhead. I phoned a number of people this morning. I asked a couple of the councils, the freight line and a couple of councillors, “What’s happening in Holyhead? Dublin has spent €30 million.” They said, “We haven’t done anything yet.” With just 20 weeks to go, will the Port of Holyhead and the other ports be ready for the new arrangements?

Lord True Portrait Lord True
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My Lords, as the House knows, the arrangements will be phased in until summer next year. We have announced £470 million to build port and inland infrastructure. As I told the House, that will be in relation not just to the Dover Strait. I have said in the House before that we recognise the great importance of Holyhead. I assure the noble Lord that we will pursue that matter.