Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of export levies resulting from the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement on the number of job losses in the UK.

The Trade and Cooperation agreement is unprecedented as the EU’s first trade agreement based on 100% tariff liberalisation. The Agreement ensures there will be no tariffs or quotas on trade between the UK and EU, where goods meet the relevant rules of origin. For goods that do not meet requirements of the rules of origin, depending on the goods’ circumstances, businesses may be able to use existing special customs procedures in place to ease trade between the UK and EU. Businesses will be able to continue to trade smoothly with the EU and explore further opportunities as the UK is now able to strike trade deals with other partners around the world. From financial services through to automotive manufacturing, the deal protects high quality jobs and investment right across the UK.

The Agreement delivers on the Government’s promise to take the UK out of the EU’s customs territory. This means that there will be new customs processes on goods exported from Great Britain into the EU and vice versa. The deal seeks to reduce the costs of these new processes for traders by supporting efficient customs arrangements covering all trade in goods, while ensuring that customs authorities remain able to protect their regulatory, security and financial interests. Both sides have committed to clear documentation efficiently, maintain transparency, and simplify customs procedures wherever possible.

The Government is committed to supporting businesses to adjust to new trading rules with the EU. Border controls will be brought in stages between 1 January 2021 and 30 June 2021 and the Government will continue to provide clear guidance on the actions businesses are required to take by engaging with them and running webinars to support their readiness.