Oral Answers to Questions

Desmond Swayne Excerpts

Thursday 11th January 2018 Commons Chamber

[Dr Fox]

The Government are indeed committed to ensuring continuity of the 40 or so EU free trade agreements after we leave the European Union, and that is why we introduced the relevant legislation this week. I am, however, rather disappointed that the right hon. Gentleman and his party saw fit to vote against that legislation, and deny British business that confidence.

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

Should we seek any level of protection, the agreements will take longer and yield less—won’t they?

[Dr Fox]

Our clear aim is to achieve continuity and stability. We want the agreements that we have already as part of the EU to be delivered safely and securely into UK law, and that is the point of the Trade Bill.