Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stuart Blair Donaldson and David Jones

Thursday 9th March 2017 Commons Chamber

[Mr Jones]

I agree with my hon. Friend about frictionless agreements. We have a huge advantage in that Britain is, of course, currently a member of the European Union, so our standards and regulations are in complete alignment. I was heartened to see that Michel Barnier, the chief negotiator for the European Union, has recognised that a deal is doable in two years.

[Stuart Blair Donaldson (West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine) (SNP)]

22. The food and drink industry is a growing sector in West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine. What plans does the Minister have to retain the benefits of membership of the single market and customs union for the food and drink sector after the UK has left the EU?

[Mr Jones]

Although we will not continue to be a member of the single market, as I indicated previously we are looking to achieve a very good free trade agreement with the continuing European Union, which would be very much to the mutual benefit of the UK and the European Union.