Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :

To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, whether the EU chief negotiator has stated that the EU is willing to agree to the implementation of Article XXIV of the GATT in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal.

No such assurances have been sought from the EU, for a scenario where the UK leaves the EU without a deal, as the Government remains committed to seeking an agreement. The Government and the European Commission have been clear that our ​trading relationship must comply with WTO rules. GATT Article XXIV is the provision which allows WTO members to form free trade areas or customs unions, or to adopt an interim agreement necessary for the formation of a customs union or of a free trade area. It relates solely to trade in goods. Any preferential arrangement between the UK and EU under Article XXIV - whether temporary or permanent - requires the mutual agreement of both parties.