Oral Answers to Questions

Nick Smith Excerpts

Thursday 22nd February 2018 Commons Chamber

[Dr Fox]

Of course, the majority of Scotland’s exports go to the rest of the UK, not the EU. The hon. and learned Lady talks about the value of the single market; it is just worth pointing out that, despite our membership of the single market, we have had a growing trade deficit with the EU at a time when we have had a growing trade surplus with the rest of the world. We want to establish the conditions for all our exports from all parts of the UK to be able to access the growing markets of the world, and, as the International Monetary Fund has pointed out, 90% of global growth in the next 10 to 15 years will be outside Europe.

[Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab)]

What is the Secretary of State’s preferred method of ensuring frictionless trade between the Republic and the north of Ireland?

[Dr Fox]

Our preferred option is to do that through a widespread and liberal agreement in trade with the European Union, as set out in the Government’s memorandum in December.