Asked by: Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party - Strangford)
Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :
To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what cross-party discussions have taken place on preparations for the UK leaving the EU on WTO terms.
Answered by James Cleverly - Home Secretary
The Government has consulted with Members from all sides of the House on a range of issues relating to the UK’s withdrawal from, and future relationship with the EU.
If the UK leaves the EU without a deal, the UK would implement a temporary tariff regime that takes a balanced approach to support the UK economy as a whole. It will maintain open trade on the majority of UK imports, to support consumers and business supply chains, but retain necessary tariff protection for particular sectors of the UK economy. This would apply for up to 12 months while a full consultation, and review on a permanent approach, is undertaken.
As a responsible government we’ve been preparing to minimise any disruption in the event of no deal for over three years. We remain focused on ensuring our smooth and orderly withdrawal from the EU.