Oral Answers to Questions

Emma Reynolds Excerpts

Tuesday 13th December 2016 Commons Chamber

[Margot James]

This House will decide on employment rights, but it is important to remind my hon. Friend that during the lifetime of this Government, the Prime Minister could not have been clearer that workers’ rights will be protected after Britain leaves the European Union.

[Emma Reynolds (Wolverhampton North East) (Lab)]

9. What discussions his Department has had with business representatives on the Government’s plans for the UK to leave the EU.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (Jesse Norman)]

We have held a wide range of discussions with businesses, their representatives, investors, workers and local leaders in all four home nations. We expect that to continue in the coming months to secure UK interests in any exit negotiations.

[Emma Reynolds]

There is concern among business about a potential cliff edge in March 2019 if we leave the EU and fall back on World Trade Organisation rules and tariffs. Does the Minister agree with the Chancellor, who yesterday told the Treasury Committee that there is

“an emerging view among businesses…that having a longer period to manage the adjustment between where we are now as full members of the European Union and where we get to in the future as a result of the negotiations…would be generally helpful, would”

help smooth the transition and would help to reduce disruption for business?