Oral Answers to Questions

Tony Vaughan Excerpts

Thursday 10th July 2025 Commons Chamber

[Pat McFadden]

On 14 May, the Government announced the launch of new thematic campuses in Aberdeen and Manchester and the closure of 11 buildings, and reaffirmed the commitment on relocating 50% of senior roles outside London, which I just mentioned. The hon. Lady says these are vast commitments, but I think we need to go faster. Reform of the state is essential, and those commitments will not be the end of civil service and state reform.

[Tony Vaughan (Folkestone and Hythe) (Lab)]

4. What steps he is taking to improve relations with the EU.

[Gregor Poynton (Livingston) (Lab)]

5. What steps he is taking to improve relations with the EU.

--- Later in debate ---

[Tony Vaughan]

I thank my right hon. Friend the Minister for his answer. Given that he leads on UK-EU relations, will he outline how the Cabinet Office will ensure that the new sanitary and phytosanitary agreement will reduce the level of checks on goods at both the Eurotunnel terminal in Folkstone, in my constituency, and the Port of Dover, and improve the flow of trade? What steps are being taken to further break down barriers to trade in goods with the EU?

[Nick Thomas-Symonds]

My hon. and learned Friend is a powerful advocate for his constituents in Folkestone and Hythe. The SPS agreement will remove routine border checks and certification, including for goods travelling through Folkestone and the Port of Dover. It will mean that fresh produce will hit supermarket shelves more quickly, with less paperwork and fewer costs.