Oral Answers to Questions

Tom Blenkinsop Excerpts

Thursday 9th March 2017 Commons Chamber

[Tom Blenkinsop (Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland) (Lab)]

13. What plans he has to retain the benefits of membership of the single market and customs union for the manufacturing sector after the UK has left the EU.

[The Minister of State, Department for Exiting the European Union (Mr David Jones)]

The UK manufacturing sector is world leading, and we are determined to secure the best deal for it which enables it to go from strength to strength. We are aiming to agree a bold and ambitious free trade agreement with the EU, including zero tariffs, that is more ambitious than any other trade deal agreed with the EU to date.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Jones]

It is clear that if we are to seek free trade agreements around the world, we will not be able to remain in the customs union as it currently stands. Having said that, we seek arrangements with our EU partners that will enable us to construct customs arrangements that are as frictionless as possible, for the benefit of both the EU and the UK.

[Tom Blenkinsop]

The post-Brexit fall in the pound has led to a boost in manufacturing exports, with 45% of north-east manufacturers expecting orders to rise over the coming year, but it has also led to an increase in import costs. These costs will only increase if customs checks are required at borders. What is the Secretary of State planning to do for north-east manufacturers to make sure that costs at borders are not being increased for products they are making?

[Mr Jones]

Of course, north-east manufacturing is at the forefront of the Government’s mind; the hon. Gentleman will know that with Nissan we arranged a state of affairs that will allow it to continue to manufacture in the north-east. He is right to say that we do not want to see customs arrangements that impede trade with the EU, and we are looking to agree arrangements, for our mutual benefit, that are as frictionless as possible.