Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Alun Cairns and Sheryll Murray

Wednesday 13th December 2017 Commons Chamber

[Mrs Sheryll Murray (South East Cornwall) (Con)]

7. What assessment he has made of Wales’s trading opportunities since the UK’s decision to leave the EU.

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

Figures show that exports from Wales grew by 19% last year. Welsh businesses are also looking to markets outside the European Union, where exports grew by 23% over the same period. I will continue to support businesses in Wales to help them make the most of the new opportunities.

[Mrs Murray]

In north Wales, like in South East Cornwall, there are amazing businesses that are the lifeblood of the local economy, from first-class tourist accommodation to delicious food and drink producers. Does my right hon. Friend agree that Brexit will provide additional trading opportunities for them and for companies across Wales?

[Alun Cairns]

My hon. Friend is a strong champion for Cornwall, and Cornwall is already responding, through her leadership, to the new opportunities that leaving the European Union provides. Wales is rightly doing the same. Exports to areas outside the European Union are growing at a much sharper rate than exports to the European Union, and Wales is well ahead of the UK average.