Oral Answers to Questions

Clive Jones Excerpts

Thursday 12th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Peter Kyle]

The hon. Member points to one of the areas where the Brexit deal negotiated by the Conservative party let down Britain. We are aware of those issues, and they are part of our negotiations. We will see what we can do for the sector into the future.

[Clive Jones (Wokingham) (LD)]

I have heard from so many businesses in Wokingham that have suffered post Brexit with masses of red tape limiting their exports. Losing key trade relationships in Europe has meant that many local businesses have seen their profits evaporate. What are the Government doing to develop and strengthen trade with Europe, so that businesses in Wokingham can start to grow again? Agreeing a bespoke customs union would be a really good start.

[Peter Kyle]

The area over which we have the most agency is regulation in this country, and this Government are pledging to reduce the burden on business by 25%. We are very aware of the issue of regulation and barriers to trade, and I mentioned it in my meetings with three EU commissioners just in the last fortnight. Part of the reset is aimed at reducing the burdens on business.

It is good to see that Members from many parties in this House have a real interest in engaging in debate about healing our relationship with the EU and creating new opportunities with our biggest trading partner—with the exception of one party opposite, whose Members are all sitting there, silent. I wonder why.