Oral Answers to Questions

Jeevun Sandher Excerpts

Thursday 5th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[Satvir Kaur]

I will of course meet my hon. Friend to discuss Stephen’s case and resolve it as quickly as possible.

[Dr Jeevun Sandher (Loughborough) (Lab)]

3. What recent discussions he has had with EU counterparts on topics of mutual interest.

[Mr Luke Charters (York Outer) (Lab)]

14. What recent discussions he has had with EU counterparts on topics of mutual interest.

[The Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office (Nick Thomas-Symonds)]

Since leaving the European Union, it has never been more important to work alongside the EU in the global context that we face. It is in our country’s interest to have a stronger trading and security relationship. Our new strategic partnership with the EU is good for bills, good for jobs and good for borders. We continue our negotiations ahead of the next summit.

[Dr Sandher]

Reform Members promised us that torching our relationship with Europe would make us richer and stronger. They were wrong on both counts. Higher import barriers have driven up costs by £200, and a continent with wider divisions makes us weaker. How the Government will show the courage needed to build our relationship with Europe, make us stronger and make life here more affordable?

[Nick Thomas-Symonds]

We are building a stronger relationship every week to improve our economic operation and drive growth in this country. The EU is our biggest market, and the deals that we are negotiating on emissions, energy trading and food and agriculture trade will reduce costs for businesses and offer better prices and more choice to consumers.