Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :

To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, which consultancy firms his Department has commissioned to model future customs arrangements with the European Union; and what the value of those contracts were.

We have commissioned external expertise to support the work of the Department, including consultancy firms.

The Department aligns with the Government Commercial Function's values in delivering procurements in a fair and open manner.

In assessing the options for the UK's future customs relationship with the EU, the Government will be guided by what delivers the greatest economic advantage to the UK and by our strategic objectives:

• To keep trade with the EU as frictionless as possible;

• To avoid a ‘hard border’ between Ireland and Northern Ireland;

• To establish an independent international trade policy.

The Government is undertaking a wide range of continuing analysis in support of our EU exit negotiations and preparations.

We have been clear the Government will not provide an ongoing commentary on internal analytical work that is being carried out within government.

Details of Government contracts above the value of £10,000 are published on Contracts Finder: https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Search.