Asked by: Anna McMorrin (Labour - Cardiff North)
Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :
To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what assessment his Department has made of the effect on agricultural trade with the EU of the UK not having a trade agreement with the EU when the UK leaves the EU.
Answered by Robin Walker
As part of our work preparing to make a success of our departure from the European Union, we are carrying out a broad range of sectoral analysis, as you would expect a responsible Government to do. Our sector report on Agriculture covers: a detailed description of the sector; the current EU regulatory regime and a summary of sector views. The report has been made available for members of both Houses to read in a secure reading room.
The Government’s Agriculture Bill will enable us to support a thriving and self-reliant farming sector that is more competitive, productive and profitable; to protect our precious natural environment for future generations; and to deliver on the manifesto commitment to provide stability for farmers as we exit the EU.
We are committed to getting the best possible deal for the United Kingdom - a deal that works for all sectors of the UK economy. We believe that a future partnership deal is in the interests of both sides, so we approach these negotiations anticipating success. We do not want or expect an outcome where no trade agreement is agreed.
Asked by: Anna McMorrin (Labour - Cardiff North)
Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :
To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what assessment his Department has made of the effect on Welsh exports to the EU of the UK not having a trade agreement with the EU when the UK leaves the EU.
Answered by Robin Walker
As part of our work preparing to make a success of our departure from the European Union, we are carrying out a broad range of sectoral analysis as you would expect a responsible Government to do. This includes analysis of sectors across the whole of the UK.
The Government is engaging extensively with the Welsh Government, along with Welsh organisations and institutions and in order to secure a deal that works in the interests of not just Wales, but the whole of the United Kingdom. We look forward to further engagement with all the Devolved Administrations, including on any additional analysis they have produced.
As we move into the second phase of negotiations we are confident of agreeing a bold and ambitious Free Trade Agreement with the EU. Securing a future partnership between the UK and EU is in the interests of both sides, so we approach these negotiations anticipating success. We do not want or expect an outcome where no trade agreement is agreed.