Oral Answers to Questions

Ruth Jones Excerpts

Thursday 25th March 2021 Commons Chamber

[Mr Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury) (Con)]

What recent progress he has made on securing frictionless access for UK goods to the EU; and if he will make a statement.

[Ruth Jones (Newport West) (Lab)]

What steps he is taking to support manufacturers subject to non-tariff barriers to trade with the EU.

[Margaret Ferrier (Rutherglen and Hamilton West) (Ind)]

What steps the Government are taking to simplify export procedures to the EU for UK manufacturers.

--- Later in debate ---

[Penny Mordaunt]

I thank my hon. Friend for his thanks and praise to the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. We look at and vigorously pursue all cases that Members raise with us to ensure that such businesses are being supported in every way. What this case shows is that, as well as some genuine issues that need to be worked through with our partners in the EU and with member states on a bilateral basis, there are some issues that are purely related to people not understanding the processes or implementing them incorrectly. That has caused a large share of the difficulties that we have seen, but those issues are being resolved. I am very pleased that we were able to help in my hon. Friend’s case.

[Ruth Jones [V]]

Like many on the Opposition Benches, I believe that Ministers must be held to account for the commitments they made to British businesses and industry during the Brexit negotiations, so can the Minister outline what discussions she has had with the Welsh Government about protecting the businesses and livelihoods in Newport West that are paying the price for this Government’s bad deal?

[Penny Mordaunt]

I have had a very large number of discussions with the Welsh Government, and also with officials there, with regard to a whole raft of issues related to our leaving the EU, and I will continue to do so in my new role.