Leaving the EU: Implementation

Stephen Hammond Excerpts
Monday 29th January 2018

(6 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Stephen Hammond Portrait Stephen Hammond (Wimbledon) (Con)
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The welcome news on Friday that the UK economy grew more strongly in the fourth quarter highlights the importance of the services and financial services sectors to this economy. In response to a question on a previous occasion, the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union said he accepts that the future of financial services relies on a closely aligned regime of regulatory equivalence and mutual recognition. Does the Minister agree that that is still the policy of the Government?

Robin Walker Portrait Mr Walker
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I thank my hon. Friend for his question. Of course it is the policy of the Government to achieve a comprehensive free trade agreement with the European Union, building on the strong relationship we have had over the years to ensure we maintain strong market access for our services industry, including financial services. As he will know, the financial services sector is one of the many that has spoken up for this implementation period we are talking about delivering.