Question to the Wales Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to the Answer of 17 October 2017 to Question 107429, whether the Government plans to allocate additional funds in financial year 2018-19 to either the (a) Ports Authorities in Wales or (b) Welsh Government to ensure operational readiness at Welsh ports in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a withdrawal agreement.

We are confident that a future partnership between the UK and EU is in the interests of both sides, so we approach the negotiations anticipating success. We do not want or expect a no deal outcome. However, a responsible Government should prepare for all potential outcomes, including the unlikely scenario in which no mutually satisfactory agreement can be reached, and that is exactly what we are doing across the whole of government.

Plans are well developed and have been designed to provide the flexibility to respond to a negotiated agreement, as well as preparing us for the unlikely eventuality of leaving without a deal. That’s why we are working with businesses across the economy, including ports in Wales, to provide the certainty they need to understand the challenges and opportunities they may face in the coming months and years.