Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :

To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what discussions he has had during negotiations with the EU on a transition period between the UK leaving the EU and the start date of a new trade agreement between the UK and the EU.

The Secretary of State raised this matter most recently in the last plenary session of the negotiations.

There have not yet been any formal negotiations on transition. The UK Government has repeatedly made clear our intent to agree implementation provisions. As outlined in the Northern Ireland and Ireland Position Paper, Privileges and Immunities Position Paper, and Customs Future Relationship Paper (see attached extracts).

This will allow people and businesses in both the UK and the EU to adjust in a smooth and orderly way to new arrangements, and to be able to plan for the future. It will help both sides to minimise disruption if we agree this principle early in the process, and we are ready to begin discussions on the form these provisions might take.