Oral Answers to Questions

Rosie Duffield Excerpts

Tuesday 4th September 2018 Commons Chamber

[Rosie Duffield (Canterbury) (Lab)]

4. What recent discussions he has had with his EU counterparts on continued foreign policy co-operation after the UK has left the EU.

[Chris Stephens (Glasgow South West) (SNP)]

7. What discussions he had with his EU counterparts during the summer recess on diplomatic relations after the UK has left the EU.

[The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr Jeremy Hunt)]

Over the summer I visited seven EU countries and had substantive bilateral talks with 18 EU Foreign Ministers, and to all of them I said the same thing: if there is not a deal on our exit from the EU, Britain will find a way to survive and prosper, but it would be a big mistake for the continent of Europe, because at a time of great international upheaval, countries that share the same values should stand together.

[Rosie Duffield]

Last week, my hon. Friend the Member for Brent North (Barry Gardiner) met with the Port of Dover in my neighbouring constituency. The port, my colleagues, and all those dealing with trade matters in particular would appreciate clarification on whether other EU countries have signalled their willingness to collect tariffs on behalf of the UK and continue full co-operation with other EU agencies.

[Mr Hunt]

The facilitated customs arrangement is one of the issues being negotiated. Many discussions are happening between my colleague the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union and Michel Barnier, and we are starting to make progress, but there is a long way to go.