Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Alun Cairns and Jeff Smith

Wednesday 15th May 2019 Commons Chamber

[Jeff Smith (Manchester, Withington) (Lab)]

3. What recent assessment he has made of the effect on the Welsh economy of the proposed withdrawal agreement with the EU.

[The Secretary of State for Wales (Alun Cairns)]

The withdrawal agreement means we can leave the European Union with a deal that honours the referendum result, protects our economy and security and safeguards our Union. The best outcome for Wales and the Welsh economy is for the UK to leave the European Union in a smooth and orderly way.

[Jeff Smith]

What assessment has the Secretary of State made of the impact of non-tariff barriers? They would result in customs procedures and technical barriers to trade, meaning delays and costs that would be particularly damaging to the Welsh economy.

[Alun Cairns]

The hon. Gentleman makes an important point that further underlines why the deal we have negotiated with the European Union will work in the interests of Welsh manufacturers, Welsh agriculture and other sectors across the whole UK. The political declaration says “as frictionless as possible,” which is the objective we want to achieve.