Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Nusrat Ghani and Tonia Antoniazzi

Thursday 13th June 2019 Commons Chamber

[Tonia Antoniazzi (Gower) (Lab)]

18. What steps he is taking to prepare UK ports for when the UK leaves the EU.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Ms Nusrat Ghani)]

The UK port sector is resilient and flexible, and is well placed to adapt successfully in preparation for Brexit. My Department continues to work with the border delivery group to ensure that trade continues with minimum friction at UK ports. The Government shall take all steps necessary to ensure that vital goods continue to flow into the country when the UK leaves the EU, and we continue to liaise closely with the devolved Administrations.

--- Later in debate ---

[Ms Ghani]

No-deal preparation carried out by this Department for freight capacity was just 1% of the overall budget for no-deal planning—1%.

[Tonia Antoniazzi]

The Welsh Assembly’s Brexit Committee found that a no-deal Brexit would pose a serious threat to the port sector in Wales, particularly in Holyhead and Fishguard. What recent discussions has the Minister had with the port authorities to avoid no-deal chaos in these Welsh ports?

[Ms Ghani]

I welcome the question. I was at the inter-ministerial group, which I chair, with all the port authorities, and I met Associated British Ports just recently. It is working closely with us to prepare for no deal, and it is excited about the opportunities that we can put forward through Maritime 2050, our 30-year strategy for investment in our ports, both in technology and in our seafarers, to ensure that we are ready for our new opportunities.