Oral Answers to Questions

Laurence Robertson Excerpts

Thursday 25th March 2021 Commons Chamber

[Jeff Smith (Manchester, Withington) (Lab)]

What steps he is taking to support businesses subject to non-tariff barriers to trade with the EU.

[Mr Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury) (Con)]

What recent progress he has made on securing frictionless access for UK goods to the EU; and if he will make a statement.

[Ruth Jones (Newport West) (Lab)]

What steps he is taking to support manufacturers subject to non-tariff barriers to trade with the EU.

--- Later in debate ---

[Penny Mordaunt]

We have already provided financial support to compensate sectors that are suffering particular issues. We have also put in place a framework whereby we are able to work through these problems. While we do that, we are obviously looking at what we can do to mitigate and reduce prospective burdens that other businesses might be facing, such as stretching out the timetable by which people would have to comply with other rules and regulations. Again, I would be very happy to look at any specific cases, and that offer is to all Members.

[Mr Robertson [V]]

At the last Cabinet Office questions, I mentioned that a lorry from my constituency was unnecessarily detained in France for 12 hours. The Cabinet Office took that up with vigour. The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster really went about it; I thank him for that and congratulate him on that work. Is the Minister making assessments of any other lorries that are unnecessarily held up as they try to get their goods across the continent, since of course frictionless trade benefits not just this country but our friends on the continent as well?