Asked by: John Stevenson (Conservative - Carlisle)
Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :
To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what steps the Government is taking to ensure that the Falkland Islands retains tariff free access to the EU after the UK leaves the EU.
Answered by Robin Walker
The Government has always been clear that we are committed to engaging the Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories as we exit the EU, to ensure that their interests and priorities are properly taken into account.
We are seeking a bold and ambitious economic partnership with the EU and want to have the greatest possible tariff- and barrier-free trade with our European neighbours, so that British companies, including Falkland Islands companies, have the maximum freedom to trade with and operate within European markets.
I most recently met Hon. Teslyn Barkman, the Falkland Islands Legislative Assembly Member leading on Exit issues, at the 4th Joint Ministerial Council Overseas Territories (EU Negotiations) held on the 14th of June. Through discussions in this forum, supported by official level contact, the Government understands the importance to the economic wellbeing of the Falklands Islands of their access to the EU market for fish and meat.
We also welcome the substantive input we have received from the Falkland Islands’ Government as the UK prepares to exit the EU.
Asked by: John Stevenson (Conservative - Carlisle)
Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :
To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, whether the Government has discussed with the EU negotiating team the possibility of the UK rejoining the European Free Trade Association after the UK leaves the EU.
Answered by Robin Walker
As the Government has made clear, when we leave the EU, we will be leaving the Single Market. The UK will not seek a model already enjoyed by other countries. European Economic Area membership would, for example, mean the UK having to adopt in future new EU rules over which we will have little influence and no vote. As such, we will not be seeking to join EFTA in order to remain party to the EEA Agreement. We will instead pursue a new, ambitious economic partnership.
Asked by: John Stevenson (Conservative - Carlisle)
Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :
To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, whether the Government has discussed with the European Free Trade Association the UK rejoining that association.
Answered by Robin Walker
As the Government has made clear, when we leave the EU, we will be leaving the Single Market. The UK will not seek a model already enjoyed by other countries. European Economic Area membership would, for example, mean the UK having to adopt in future new EU rules over which we will have little influence and no vote. As such, we will not be seeking to join EFTA in order to remain party to the EEA Agreement. We will instead pursue a new, ambitious economic partnership.