Oral Answers to Questions

Martin Whitfield Excerpts

Thursday 23rd November 2017 Commons Chamber

[Dr Fox]

As we leave the EU, we will be able to shape trade policy in our national interest and take advantage of things that are not available to us as a member of the EU. Free ports are one possible tool in that context, and we will want to look closely at the implications. Another thing that might help my hon. Friend, who has a large fish processing capability in his constituency employing some 5,000 people, is discussing with the Department what overseas direct investment might do for expanding that business’s potential.

[Martin Whitfield (East Lothian) (Lab)]

Will the Secretary of State confirm how the devolved Administrations will be consulted during the process of these future free trade agreements?

[Dr Fox]

I had discussions recently with all the different parts of the devolved Administrations. They will clearly be very important partners in putting together our future free trade agreements, and they should be treated with due respect in that. However, I would say that they are not the only voices in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. We will want to consult businesses, consumers, unions and the general public, and we will need to have a much wider consultation in future than we have had in the past.