UK-EU Future Relationship Negotiations and Transition Period

Viscount Waverley Excerpts

Tuesday 8th December 2020 Lords Chamber

[Lord True (Con)]

My Lords, my noble friend makes a profound geographical point. I agree with him.

[Viscount Waverley (CB) [V]]

My Lords, with Covid having changed the context of the negotiations fundamentally, and given that any tariffs and disruption will add uncertainty to the UK, the EU and the wider international economy, would it not be sensible to support the most affected communities by presenting alongside any agreement or in the event of a no-deal outcome a realistic action plan that would benefit the economy at large, including by protecting services, manufacturing, fishing, jobs and new business opportunities?

[Lord True (Con)]

My Lords, the continuing Covid emergency is obviously a problem, although I am sure that the noble Viscount will join me in welcoming the wonderful news of the first vaccination happening today. We continue to keep the impact of coronavirus on the delivery of the transition programme, as well as the potential for disruption, under review. We are considering, as we always do, what mitigations may be needed as the situation evolves.