Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Alison Bennett Excerpts
Thursday 24th April 2025

(1 day, 15 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Ellie Reeves Portrait Ellie Reeves
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My hon. Friend is a great champion for the people of Dartford. Fixing Britain’s creaking infrastructure is vital for our growth mission and plan for change. We are reforming our planning rules to cut through blockages to delivering infrastructure and to help meet our target of 150 planning decisions by the end of this Parliament. The Government are committed to working with the private sector to deliver the lower Thames crossing. As well as creating jobs, it will reduce congestion and drive economic growth by improving connectivity between Kent and Essex.

Alison Bennett Portrait Alison Bennett (Mid Sussex) (LD)
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As the Minister is undoubtedly aware, part of the plan for change is kick-starting economic growth. Prior to the recess, the Secretary of State for Transport advised me in relation to her statement about electric vehicle charging that the Cabinet Office is responsible for EU reset negotiations. What assessment has the Cabinet Office made of the cost of the UK not being in a customs union with the EU?

Ellie Reeves Portrait Ellie Reeves
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The Minister for the Cabinet Office has been negotiating with the EU in the country’s national interest. We have been clear that there will be no return to the customs union or single market, but the reset in our relations with the EU is an important one.