Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Ian C. Lucas and Mims Davies

Wednesday 24th October 2018 Commons Chamber

[Ian C. Lucas (Wrexham) (Lab)]

2. What representations he has received from the aerospace sector in Wales on the priorities for that sector when negotiating the terms of the UK’s exit from the EU.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mims Davies)]

The UK, and specifically Wales, is home to a world-class aerospace industry. I have regular meetings with the aerospace sector and met Airbus last month in north Wales as part of my engagement with the CBI. It is a top priority to continue to create and maintain the right conditions post Brexit for this growing international sector to thrive.

[Ian C. Lucas]

First, I welcome the Minister to her post. In June, Airbus said that a no-deal Brexit would severely undermine

“UK efforts to keep a competitive and innovative aerospace industry.”

It concluded that it would be “catastrophic” to have a UK Brexit. Does the Minister agree?

[Mims Davies]

As I have said, the aerospace sector in north Wales is absolutely vital. Airbus has been making those statements through conversations with those involved with the north Wales growth deal. I know, having met the hon. Gentleman last week, that a thriving sector, and the skills associated with it, are absolutely vital. The F-35 avionics global repair hub shows that this is a sector in which we are world-leading, and the UK Government in Wales will continue to support it.