Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Owen Smith Excerpts
Wednesday 5th December 2018

(5 years, 11 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Alun Cairns Portrait Alun Cairns
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Last week, I spoke to the Welsh Automotive Forum annual dinner. The sector represents 18,000 employees in manufacturing in Wales. It was strongly supportive of the deal that my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has negotiated. I wish the hon. Gentleman would appreciate it too.

Owen Smith Portrait Owen Smith (Pontypridd) (Lab)
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The Secretary of State says he is optimistic about Wales’s future after Brexit, but can he confirm from the Dispatch Box that Wales is going to be poorer—our GDP will be smaller—if we vote for his deal next week?

Alun Cairns Portrait Alun Cairns
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The hon. Gentleman points to a range of economic scenarios that have been painted, but they do not take into account any response that the Government will make. Of course, a responsible Government will respond to the economic situation as it emerges. I am excited about the prospect of striking free trade deals right around the world as an independent trading nation once again.