UK-EU Future Relationship Negotiations and Transition Period Debate

Full Debate: Read Full Debate
Department: Cabinet Office

UK-EU Future Relationship Negotiations and Transition Period

Viscount Waverley Excerpts
Tuesday 8th December 2020

(3 years, 11 months ago)

Lords Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Lord True Portrait Lord True (Con)
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

My Lords, my noble friend makes a profound geographical point. I agree with him.

Viscount Waverley Portrait Viscount Waverley (CB) [V]
- Hansard - -

My Lords, with Covid having changed the context of the negotiations fundamentally, and given that any tariffs and disruption will add uncertainty to the UK, the EU and the wider international economy, would it not be sensible to support the most affected communities by presenting alongside any agreement or in the event of a no-deal outcome a realistic action plan that would benefit the economy at large, including by protecting services, manufacturing, fishing, jobs and new business opportunities?

Lord True Portrait Lord True (Con)
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

My Lords, the continuing Covid emergency is obviously a problem, although I am sure that the noble Viscount will join me in welcoming the wonderful news of the first vaccination happening today. We continue to keep the impact of coronavirus on the delivery of the transition programme, as well as the potential for disruption, under review. We are considering, as we always do, what mitigations may be needed as the situation evolves.