Oral Answers to Questions

Sandy Martin Excerpts

Thursday 17th May 2018 Commons Chamber

[Dr Fox]

I am grateful for the support that my hon. Friend gives to the ceramics industry. It is, of course, necessary to have an international rules-based system. Where we have problems with that, it is our duty to try to improve it, not to try to break or leave the system.

[Sandy Martin (Ipswich) (Lab)]

What optimistic free trade message is the Secretary of State going to give to Welsh hill farmers or Suffolk sugar beet growers?

[Dr Fox]

The same message that I would give to everybody: free trade is of benefit to consumers and producers alike in the UK and to our trading partners. As I said, it has been one of the main tools through which we have alleviated global poverty.

--- Later in debate ---

[Dr Fox]

I did indeed enjoy my visit to Aberdeen, where I was able to chair a roundtable of companies from across the oil and gas industries as well as meeting senior figures from the Wood Group. Representatives of UK Export Finance were present at both meetings, and, as my hon. Friend will know, we are more than happy for UKEF facilities to be made available to the sector.

[Sandy Martin (Ipswich) (Lab)]

T4. Given the uncertainty over the future customs arrangements between this country and the rest of Europe, what steps is the Department taking to ensure that training is provided for the additional customs officials who will be needed to deal with the probable extra workload?

[Dr Fox]

That is not, in fact, the duty of the Department. Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs is responsible for customs in the United Kingdom. None the less, HMRC has received extra funds from the Treasury to ensure that preparations are made for Brexit.

--- Later in debate ---

[Sandy Martin (Ipswich) (Lab)]

8. When the Government plans to launch the consultation on reform of the Gender Recognition Act 2004.

[The Minister for Women and Equalities (Penny Mordaunt)]

The Government Equalities Office will publish a consultation on the 2004 Act shortly. Our national LGBT survey received more than 100,000 responses and we are using the results to shape the questions in the consultation.

[Sandy Martin]

I thank the Minister for that answer. On this International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, what message will her Department give to the Great British media that discrimination against trans people is unacceptable?

[Penny Mordaunt]

I would be very happy to send that message from this Dispatch Box today. It is crucial that as we consult and discuss sensitive issues we do so in a climate of respect, empathy and understanding. Anything that runs counter to that must cease.