All 1 Debates between Stewart Hosie and George Hollingbery

Thu 24th Jan 2019

EU Free Trade Agreements

Debate between Stewart Hosie and George Hollingbery
Thursday 24th January 2019

(5 years, 11 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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George Hollingbery Portrait George Hollingbery
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We are in constant contact with all the businesses that trade on these preferences; we have written to them many times. We have issued technical notices advising businesses on the steps they need to take to ensure that they are prepared for that scenario. Plainly, it is much better to have these agreements in place than not, but as I have just discussed with the hon. Member for Sefton Central (Bill Esterson), a change in the arrangements does not mean that trade with those countries will stop; it simply means that the terms will change. I believe that we are doing all we can and should to prepare businesses for some of the deals potentially not being passed, and we continue to do that.

Stewart Hosie Portrait Stewart Hosie (Dundee East) (SNP)
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The EU has 14 service agreements with third-party countries and blocs, which UK professional services companies benefit from. Notwithstanding potential tariffs, non-tariff barriers and other regulatory burdens, can the Minister confirm for professional services companies whether there is even the legal basis for that trade with third-party countries and blocs to continue?

George Hollingbery Portrait George Hollingbery
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I am sorry to duck the question, but that matter should be referred to the Department for Exiting the European Union.