Oral Answers to Questions

Nigel Huddleston Excerpts

Thursday 19th July 2018 Commons Chamber

[Mr John Whittingdale (Maldon) (Con)]

4. What recent progress he has made on negotiations with the EU on a withdrawal agreement.

[Nigel Huddleston (Mid Worcestershire) (Con)]

16. What recent progress he has made on negotiations on the UK leaving the EU.

[Stephen Metcalfe (South Basildon and East Thurrock) (Con)]

18. What recent progress he has made on negotiations on the UK leaving the EU.

--- Later in debate ---

[Dominic Raab]

As ever, my right hon. Friend makes a powerful point, and as the EU says, there is no deal until the whole deal is concluded. The withdrawal agreement must come alongside a framework for the future partnership agreement—article 50 requires that—and if one party does not meet its side of the bargain, that will inevitably have consequences for the deal as a whole.

[Nigel Huddleston]

The Secretary of State will be aware that the UK has a near £70 billion trade deficit with the EU, and it is transparently in the EU’s interest to get a deal that keeps trade flowing. Is he aware whether European businesses and companies are lobbying EU negotiators and Governments to ensure a mutually beneficial deal?

[Dominic Raab]

My hon. Friend is right. The Government have a regular and productive dialogue with the European business community, and in those discussions we highlight our common interests with those businesses. It is important that their voice is heard because a lot is at stake, not just for UK businesses and jobs, but for European businesses and jobs.