Next Steps in Leaving the European Union

Debate between Tom Blenkinsop and David Davis

Monday 10th October 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Davis]

I hear what the hon. Lady says, but I have given an undertaking that there will be no reversal of the protection of workers’ rights, as has the Prime Minister. Indeed, my right hon. Friend has gone beyond that and said that there will be an expansion of that protection.

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

As it stands, the steel and ceramic industries are covered by 52 separate trade defence instruments that the EU provides for this country. In negotiations taking place in conjunction with the Brexit negotiations, the Government wish to support market economy status for China. Which of the 52 trade defence mechanisms does the Secretary of State desire to keep in order to maintain the British steel industry?