Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of not being able to access European Investment Bank funds on infrastructure investment after the UK leaves the EU.

The European Investment Bank (EIB), and its offshoot, the European Investment Fund (EIF), have lent significant amounts to UK infrastructure and growth businesses.

It may prove to be in the mutual interest of the UK and the EU to maintain an ongoing relationship between the EIB and UK after the UK has left the EU. The government is looking to explore these options with the EU as part of the negotiations.

Whatever the outcome of the negotiations, it is important that UK businesses have access to the finance they need. As the Chancellor set out in his 2017 Mansion House speech, the government will be prepared in case the UK does not maintain a relationship with the Bank.