Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Scotland Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Oliver Heald Excerpts
Wednesday 13th September 2023

(1 year, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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Alister Jack Portrait Mr Jack
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The recent trading numbers show that we are now doing more trade with the EU in goods and services than we did when we were members.

Oliver Heald Portrait Sir Oliver Heald (North East Hertfordshire) (Con)
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Does my right hon. Friend agree that we are developing a much better relationship with our former colleagues in the EU, including through agreements such as the Windsor framework, and our accession to the North sea group of countries that co-operate on energy and, more recently, to Horizon and other European programmes? That shows that we are on the right footing to have a good future relationship post Brexit.

Alister Jack Portrait Mr Jack
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Yes. On Horizon, we were patient and did the right deal. It showed the future for British scientists, as well as how important British scientists were to Horizon and how much the EU wanted them to be part of it. My right hon. and learned Friend is right: we have a better relationship, and one that does not cost £22 billion a year.