Oral Answers to Questions

Jo Stevens Excerpts

Thursday 9th March 2017 Commons Chamber

[Mary Glindon (North Tyneside) (Lab)]

7. What plans he has to retain the benefits of membership of the single market and customs union for the manufacturing sector after the UK has left the EU.

[Jo Stevens (Cardiff Central) (Lab)]

9. What plans he has to retain the benefits of membership of the single market and customs union for the manufacturing sector after the UK has left the EU.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Jones]

I had a discussion just this week with the Flanders chamber of commerce, and it recognised the important issue of bilateral trade between Belgium and the UK. I am pleased to say that it fully realised the need for frictionless agreements once we leave the EU, and of course this Government are committed to that.

[Jo Stevens]

The Prime Minister has said that Britain will not remain a full member of the customs union, but this morning the Chancellor said it is

“clear that we can’t stay in the customs union”.

Which of them should we believe?

[Mr Jones]

It is clear that if we are to seek free trade agreements around the world, we will not be able to remain in the customs union as it currently stands. Having said that, we seek arrangements with our EU partners that will enable us to construct customs arrangements that are as frictionless as possible, for the benefit of both the EU and the UK.