Asked by: Jacob Rees-Mogg (Conservative - North East Somerset)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of his Department's preparations for the UK leaving the EU with (a) an agreement on future partnership and (b) no agreement with the EU; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Greg Hands
Following the referendum in June 2016, the Department for International Trade (DIT) continues to make rigorous preparations for a range of possible outcomes from the UK's negotiations with the EU. This is the job of a responsible government.
This preparation includes consideration of possible alternatives to a negotiated agreement, to ensure continued prosperity for business, workers and consumers across the UK.