Asked by: Chi Onwurah (Labour - Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West)
Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :
To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what assessment the Government has made of the financial and economic effect of the UK leaving the EU on the North East’s export market and businesses in that region that export primarily to countries within the EU.
Answered by Suella Braverman
The Government is undertaking a wide range of ongoing analysis in support of our EU exit negotiations and preparations. Our overall programme of work is comprehensive, thorough and is continuously updated.
We are committed to getting the best possible deal for the United Kingdom - a deal that works for all parts of the UK, including the North East.
We continue to engage with businesses and industry bodies from all sectors of the economy, and all regions and nations of the UK, in order to inform our negotiations.
Asked by: Chi Onwurah (Labour - Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West)
Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :
To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, whether he plans for a new regime for state aid and competition rules to be covered by a future deal between the UK and the EU.
Answered by Robin Walker
The Government is aware that the EU negotiating mandate explicitly refers to state aid and competition in the context of any future trade agreement between the EU and UK. This future relationship is subject to negotiation. While the Government cannot speculate on outcomes at this stage, any future regime will be on the principles of open markets and fair competition.
As the Prime Minister made clear in her speech in Florence the UK shares with the EU “the same set of fundamental beliefs; a belief in free trade, rigorous and fair competition, strong consumer rights, and that trying to beat other countries’ industries by unfairly subsidising one’s own is a serious mistake.”
Asked by: Chi Onwurah (Labour - Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West)
Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :
To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what the level of legal expertise on state aid and competition law is in his Department .
Answered by Steve Baker
At present the Government Legal Department (GLD) provides around 40 lawyers in its Division advising the Department for Exiting the European Union. They have a wide variety of experience gained across government, regulators and in the private sector including in the areas of state aid and competition law. As part of the GLD, they can also draw on the expertise of barristers and solicitors working in various government departments and public bodies including the lawyers at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy who are the general lead for government on these topics.
Asked by: Chi Onwurah (Labour - Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West)
Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :
To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, whether the Government will publish its plans to delegate powers and responsibilities currently possessed by EU institutions after the UK leaves the EU; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Robin Walker
Our relationship with the EU's institutions, including agencies, upon exit will be evaluated in light of the Government's ambition to achieve a deep and special partnership with the EU and is a matter for the negotiations. The Government will continue to plan for a range of scenarios and be ready to take any necessary steps to ensure that we are ready for exit day.
Asked by: Chi Onwurah (Labour - Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West)
Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :
To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, whether his Department has taken steps to ensure that its activities and decision-making is informed by independent scientific advice; to what extent his Department relies on other Departments to facilitate such advice; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Steve Baker
The Department for Exiting the European Union (DEXEU) is committed to ensuring that we access the very best scientific expertise. The Department is actively considering the best way of achieving this and it is important for us to take into account DExEU’s role as a co-ordinating department when considering what provisions to put in place. We are currently exploring these options, including considering the appointment of a Chief Scientific Adviser.
Asked by: Chi Onwurah (Labour - Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West)
Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :
To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, if his Department will appoint a chief scientific advisor.
Answered by Steve Baker
The Department for Exiting the European Union is committed to ensuring that we access the very best scientific expertise. There are several models for achieving this and we must be sure we take into account DExEU’s role as a co-ordinating department. We are currently exploring these options, including considering the appointment of a Chief Scientific Adviser.
Asked by: Chi Onwurah (Labour - Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West)
Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :
To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what plans he has to ensure that negotiations on the UK leaving the EU do not result in any job losses in the North East's manufacturing sector.
Answered by Steve Baker
We will secure a deal that works for the entire United Kingdom. We want to ensure that UK companies, including those in the North East, have the maximum freedom to trade with and operate within European markets. As a priority, we will seek a bold and ambitious Free Trade Agreement that is of greater scope and ambition than any such existing agreement. We want to have the greatest possible tariff- and barrier-free trade with our European neighbours. And we want to have a new customs agreement with the EU that supports these objectives. Furthermore, the Government’s industrial strategy green paper sets out our plan to improve living standards and economic growth by increasing productivity and driving growth across the whole country, including in the North East.