Oral Answers to Questions

Julie Marson Excerpts

Tuesday 7th June 2022 Commons Chamber

[George Freeman]

The hon. Gentleman makes an important point. I congratulate him on his enlightened stance: he is supportive of the UK and the Scottish nuclear industry—a position we all rather wish the Scottish nationalists would take more widely. I have regular meetings with the Scottish Ministers for science, technology and innovation. This Government are very supportive of that cluster; if only the Scottish nationalists were.

[Julie Marson (Hertford and Stortford) (Con)]

6. What steps he is taking to ensure that UK businesses benefit from the UK leaving the EU.

[Craig Tracey (North Warwickshire) (Con)]

22. What steps he is taking to ensure that UK businesses benefit from the UK leaving the EU.

[Julie Marson]

I have previously compared the role of Government to that of a cricket groundsman preparing the best possible wicket on which our players—our businesses, including mine in Hertford and Stortford—can play to their strengths. Will my hon. Friend outline the steps that we are taking to drop unnecessary regulation following our departure from the EU, so that our brilliant businesses can compete and win?

[Lee Rowley]

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for her important point. Unlike her, I am not able to make any comparisons with cricket, but we know that unnecessary regulation, where it exists, is a real burden for businesses, and we are committed to reducing it. There is also work under way on data laws, alcohol duty and imperial markings. There is the forthcoming Brexit freedoms Bill, and cross-Government work to look at reducing burdens. All of that should mean positive movement in this important area of policy.