Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent assessment her Department has made of the effect on the automotive sector of the UK leaving the EU without a deal.

The document entitled, “EU Exit: Long-term economic analysis” was laid before Parliament on 28^th November 2018 and remains valid. This analysis illustrates the high level impacts on the UK from different EU Exit scenarios with associated costs for five broad sector groups across the economy, including motor vehicles and parts as a key component of the manufactured goods sector.

The macroeconomic modelling tools used for this analysis do not allow for disaggregation of results at individual sector level.

We are working closely with businesses across the country to help ensure they are prepared for the UK leaving the EU on the 31st October, whatever the circumstances. This includes regular engagement with the automotive industry by both BEIS ministers and officials to discuss no-deal risks and mitigations. Engagement may be bilateral or in group discussions, via trade associations, or through participation in the Automotive Council.

We are better prepared for no-deal than many think but not as well prepared as we could be and we are turbocharging preparations. My Rt hon Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has confirmed that all necessary funding will be made available.