Oral Answers to Questions

Christian Wakeford Excerpts

Thursday 11th June 2020 Commons Chamber

[Darren Henry (Broxtowe) (Con)]

What steps he is taking to ensure that the transition period ends on 31 December 2020.

[Christian Wakeford (Bury South) (Con)]

What steps the Government are taking to ensure that the transition period ends on 31 December 2020.

[The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office (Michael Gove)]

The transition period ends on 31 December 2020. Under no circumstances will the Government accept an extension. Indeed, we have a domestic law obligation not to accept. Extending would simply delay the moment at which we achieve what we want and what the country voted for: our economic and political independence.

[Michael Gove]

My hon. Friend is right that small and medium-sized enterprises face particular challenges at this time, and that is one reason the Government are doing everything they can to ensure that customs intermediaries and others who can support small businesses to continue to export—indeed, to enlarge their export profile—are put in place.

[Christian Wakeford]

Does the Minister agree that businesses, not just in Bury South but right across the country, simply want to remove the uncertainty that comes with prolonging negotiations and feel safe in the knowledge that a firm mandate for the negotiations will allow businesses to prepare properly and prosper?