Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Alex Cunningham and David Jones

Thursday 27th April 2017 Commons Chamber

[Mr Jones]

I have had several discussions with various aerospace companies, including Airbus, which I met in Bristol recently. We do understand that supply chains across Europe are heavily integrated, but there is a clear mutual interest in agreeing trading arrangements. The British aerospace industry is the most important in Europe, and there is a mutual interest in ensuring that the relationships persist beyond Brexit.

[Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) (Lab)]

14. What discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for International Trade on securing a comprehensive trade and customs agreement which provides the exact same benefits which the UK receives as a member of the single market and customs union.

[The Minister of State, Department for Exiting the European Union (Mr David Jones)]

I think it is me again, Sir. This question was due to be linked with Question 10. The ministerial team have frequent discussions with colleagues across Departments, including the Department for International Trade, on our future relationship with the European Union. One of the Government’s key objectives in the negotiations is to secure a mutually beneficial customs agreement. We are also committed to pursuing a bold and ambitious free trade agreement of greater scope and ambition than any such agreement before it.

[Alex Cunningham]

In the circumstances, perhaps I should be glad to get any answer. Does the Minister agree with the International Trade Secretary that it needs to be easier to hire and fire workers in the UK?

[Mr Jones]

Our commitment to the security of workers’ rights has been well stated many times—indeed, we actually held a debate in Government time to ensure that that point was well made—and I am surprised that the hon. Gentleman should raise the issue yet again.