Oral Answers to Questions

Robert Courts Excerpts

Thursday 11th June 2020 Commons Chamber

[Alison McGovern (Wirral South) (Lab)]

What recent assessment he has made of the progress of negotiations on the UK’s future relationship with the EU.

[Robert Courts (Witney) (Con)]

What recent progress the Government have made on trade negotiations with the EU.

[Sir David Evennett (Bexleyheath and Crayford) (Con)]

What recent progress the Government have made on trade negotiations with the EU.

--- Later in debate ---

[Michael Gove]

Not only was an oven-ready deal secured, but we had that oven-ready deal delivered and agreed to by this House earlier this year, which is why we left the European Union on 31 January. Of course, we will always honour the withdrawal agreement and, as far as the political declaration goes, it commits the European Union to use its best endeavours to secure a zero-tariff, zero-quota arrangement, and we hope that the EU will do that.

[Robert Courts]

As my right hon. Friend knows, article 184 requires both parties, including the European Union, to use their best endeavours to reach that agreement. Will he update the House on the progress that has been made, and cite one significant thing that he thinks would help things further?