EU Customs Union and Draft Withdrawal Agreement: Cost Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

EU Customs Union and Draft Withdrawal Agreement: Cost

Justine Greening Excerpts
Monday 22nd October 2018

(6 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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Order. I gently remind the House that there is a further urgent question afterwards and then a statement by the Prime Minister, so I shall have to take a view as to the point at which we need to move on, but I would be assisted if colleagues were extremely brief.

Justine Greening Portrait Justine Greening (Putney) (Con)
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I am very concerned about the Government’s plans because, essentially, they mean our staying in a customs union in which we will have no say on the rules for a prolonged period, at the very moment that the global economy is facing some significant risks. Can my hon. Friend explain how this is in the UK’s national interest?

John Glen Portrait John Glen
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I have set forward the Government’s position with respect to the negotiation and the idea about a modest extension in terms of months. It will be for the Secretary of State and the Prime Minister to update the House sooner, but I acknowledge my right hon. Friend’s point with respect to the opportunities that exist beyond the EU in terms of finding a settlement that gives us the freedom to develop our trading relationships.