Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what recent discussions he has had with EU counterparts on regulatory alignment in the context of UK–EU relations.

This government remains committed to reducing barriers to trade and cutting red-tape with our largest trading partner. There are clear areas where closer alignment with the EU can benefit UK businesses and growth, as demonstrated by our negotiations on a food and drinks agreement and future negotiations on electricity trading. However, the government’s red lines are clear: there will be no return to the Single Market, Customs Union or freedom of movement.