Oral Answers to Questions

Martyn Day Excerpts

Thursday 19th July 2018 Commons Chamber

[Mr Walker]

As the right hon. Gentleman will know, we have been engaging with businesses across the whole economy, which of course includes our world-leading services sector. It is clear that the advantages that make the services sector world leading are created here in the UK. We will make sure that the services sector has the right arrangements to continue to do business within Europe and to continue to have qualifications recognised but, of course, we are leaving the single market and there will be changes as a result.

[Martyn Day (Linlithgow and East Falkirk) (SNP)]

8. What contingency plans his Department has made for no deal being reached on the UK leaving the EU.

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[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union (Chris Heaton-Harris)]

We have made significant progress in negotiations and are confident that we will secure a deal with the European Union. However, as a responsible Government, we are continuing to prepare for all possible outcomes.

[Martyn Day]

There has been recent press speculation that the Government are considering emergency measures that would include the stockpiling of food and medicines. Will the Minister confirm whether that is accurate? If so, what would be the proposals for the distribution of those stockpiles?

[Chris Heaton-Harris]

Departments’ plans are well developed and designed to respond to all scenarios, including the unlikely possibility that we leave the EU without a deal. Some contingency plans have already become evident and more will become public over the coming weeks.