Oral Answers to Questions

Catherine McKinnell Excerpts

Tuesday 30th April 2019 Commons Chamber

[Greg Clark]

I and my colleagues meet very regularly—every day—with businesses in all sectors and in all parts of the country. I think that there is a strong feeling in the business community that we need to bring to a resolution the question of our future relationship with the European Union. The longer this situation goes on, the more attractive investment decisions are put on hold, and they could be creating jobs now.

[Catherine McKinnell (Newcastle upon Tyne North) (Lab)]

The most recent quarterly economic survey from the North East England chamber of commerce shows a reported mark-down in sales and exports from the north-east. It states:

“We frequently hear from members that uncertainty over Brexit is delaying investment and hiring decisions for their businesses and their customers.”

What specific north-east-focused steps are the Government taking to ensure that the north-east business community and local jobs will not be affected by that, given that the Government’s own analysis shows that any Brexit outcome will affect the north-east the hardest?

[Greg Clark]

One specific north-east-focused step is to invite the hon. Lady to vote for the deal that has been put before the House.