EU Customs Union and Draft Withdrawal Agreement: Cost Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

EU Customs Union and Draft Withdrawal Agreement: Cost

James Duddridge Excerpts
Monday 22nd October 2018

(5 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Glen Portrait John Glen
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There are a range of assumptions around the implications of different scenarios. The Government seek to ensure that we minimise the downsides and maximise the upsides in the agreement that we come to. I recognise that significant industries in the north-east rely on certainty in that relationship, and that is why it is very important that we get it right.

James Duddridge Portrait James Duddridge (Rochford and Southend East) (Con)
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This modest extension that is only a plan is going to cost £15.6 billion. How will the Minister explain that in Southend, Salisbury and Stockport? Could we not use the money slightly better?

John Glen Portrait John Glen
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I would be in a position to justify that if it were a firm outcome of the negotiations, but it is not. I have not been conducting the negotiations; the Prime Minister has, and I am sure that my hon. Friend will be able to ask her about that later.