Preparations for Leaving the European Union

Chris Leslie Excerpts

Monday 21st October 2019 Commons Chamber

[Mr Chris Leslie (Nottingham East) (IGC)]

Further to the question from the right hon. Member for Leeds Central (Hilary Benn), I want to be clear that the Brexit Secretary revealed today that article 271 of the deal would institute exit summary declarations for goods being sent from Northern Ireland into Great Britain. Just to be absolutely clear, that is goods being transferred within the United Kingdom. Will the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster confirm that those plans are being put in place, potentially for 1 November? Is he content with those declarations being put in place, or is there a chance that they will not happen? What has he estimated the cost of administering those declarations will be? How many does he anticipate that there would be?

[Michael Gove]

If we leave without a deal and that is the situation that prevails on 1 November, no such checks would be required at all.

[Mr Leslie]

No—with your deal!

[Michael Gove]

I can only answer the question that was asked.