Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Wales Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Fay Jones Excerpts
Wednesday 16th December 2020

(3 years, 8 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Simon Hart Portrait Simon Hart
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I agree with my hon. Friend. The fishing industry made its views absolutely clear back in 2016, as did 55% of the Welsh nation. UK sovereignty over fishing in UK waters is not up for discussion.

Fay Jones Portrait Fay Jones (Brecon and Radnorshire) (Con)
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What steps his Department is taking to help Welsh businesses prepare for the end of the transition period.

Simon Hart Portrait The Secretary of State for Wales (Simon Hart)
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The Wales Office is engaged with businesses the length and breadth of Wales, with a simple message: “Make sure you are prepared for the end of the transition period, whether or not we reach a negotiated outcome with the EU.”

Fay Jones Portrait Fay Jones
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When I was speaking to sheep farmers in Builth Wells in my constituency at the weekend, they made it clear that they do not want to be a political football. They are keen to embrace the changes that will come, but they want the certainty that their Government will support them come what may. Will the Secretary of State confirm that he is working closely with all Cabinet colleagues to ensure that my sheep farmers are front and centre of the UK Government’s mind when transition ends?

Simon Hart Portrait Simon Hart
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Not only my hon. Friend’s sheep farmers but sheep farmers in constituencies across the House can feel confident that the Government are on their side. One way we can demonstrate that is the fact that we have guaranteed the £337 million of funding across the lifetime of this Parliament. People said we would not do it, but we have done it, and we are committed to ensuring that there is a healthy future for the farming industry, particularly livestock in Wales.