Leaving the EU: UK Ports (Customs) Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

Leaving the EU: UK Ports (Customs)

Marcus Fysh Excerpts
Monday 19th March 2018

(6 years, 8 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Mel Stride Portrait Mel Stride
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The right hon. Gentleman is absolutely right that under WTO terms we would have to treat the various countries equally, but we are confident that there will be a deal. Indeed, we made huge progress on the phase 1 issues in December and have heard just today that we are looking clearly at an agreement on the implementation period. We will be going forward for further agreement with the European Union on a deal for this country and the EU.

Marcus Fysh Portrait Mr Marcus Fysh (Yeovil) (Con)
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that provisions related to a transition as per the mooted withdrawal agreement would not be effective until such an agreement were ratified and adopted, and that those stages will not be complete until next year? In that context, can he assure the House that upgraded capacity for inspections and declarations will be implemented behind the border now, so that trade can continue to flow whatever the outcome of negotiations with the EU by 29 March next year, and that this work will not be stood down?

Mel Stride Portrait Mel Stride
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As I have already said, we will make sure that those elements of infrastructure—the places where goods can be checked on an intelligence-led basis and the technology that is required to keep our customs borders moving—will be in place by the appropriate time.