Oral Answers to Questions

Jo Gideon Excerpts

Wednesday 16th September 2020 Commons Chamber

[Jonathan Edwards (Carmarthen East and Dinefwr) (Ind)]

What discussions he has had with the Welsh Government on legislative proposals for a UK internal market.

[Jo Gideon (Stoke-on-Trent Central) (Con)]

What recent assessment he has made of Wales’s role in the proposed UK internal market.

[Tommy Sheppard (Edinburgh East) (SNP)]

What recent discussions he has had with the First Minister of Wales on legislative proposals for a UK internal market.

--- Later in debate ---

[Simon Hart]

I disagree with the fundamental premise of the hon. Gentleman’s question. These proposals went to public consultation, and I will quote the response from one business in Wales that is promoting Wales, employing people in Wales and contributing to the Welsh Government. It said:

“The UK Internal Market Bill will be the making of the UK.”

It seems to me that the comments relating to UKIM are divided into politicians who are anxious to protect their cosy clique in Cardiff, and business, employers and the public in Wales, who recognise that this is an important part of the next stage of our economic recovery.

[Jo Gideon]

The proposals in the Bill are designed to make sure that UK businesses can continue to enjoy the ability to trade easily across our four home nations in a way that helps them to invest and create jobs, just as they have done for hundreds of years. It is extremely important, therefore, that businesses are onboard and happy with our proposals. What conversations has the Secretary of State had with businesses across Wales about these proposals and what sort of a response has he received?