Live Exiting the European Union Questions House of Commons

Parliament. Do join me for a round-up of the day in both Houses

of Parliament at 11pm tonight, but first we have questions to the

Secretary of State Brexiting the EU, David Davis. The artificial ear was

the strongest on record and more Europeans say they are more likely

to visit the UK rather than lessens the referendum. Southend is a

wonderful tourist destination. The longest pleasure appear in the

world. An airport with 26 international destinations. Southend

Airport does not do Brussels but it does to Europe. With the Minister

agreed to come to Southend to discuss how a new Britain can do the

European Union and Britain are good job globally with trade with nation

states? He raises an important point, both about regional aviation

and the part of the world he represents. It is a part of the

world that is now for its sense. We are working to ensure the best

possible liberal access to European aviation markets and seeking to

replicate third country arrangements with the US and Canada. I would be

delighted to meet with my honourable friend to discuss how we could boost

tourism and Southend. Tourism employs 12,000 people in Norwich,

with the value of the sector has grown 87% in the last ten years and

it is our top ten destination. That is a quarter of the city's

employment. Well my are friend reassure me that the position of

staffs who may be from other European countries will be a

priority to him and that in seeking a strong future, especially for

young people, the Government will address the skills that British

workers could develop to offer Norwich's growing tourism industry.

As the Prime Minister is said it is right that tourism and hospitality

can access the skills they need from the EU and we make sure young people

in the UK have the race goes to work in the sector. I know she will

continue to support tourism. Tourism requires airport is to be open to

people. Getting an early deal is off the art most priority. Stansted

Airport said that no deal will mean no flights. What assessment has been

made to the costs of the British students industry for no deal. We

have the largest aviation network in Europe and the third largest in the

world, handling to appoint 3 million tonnes of cargo last year. We are

working closely with the industry and reassure the securing a deal on

aviation will be in the interests of the UK and the US. Many businesses

in rural areas have diversified stem recent years into short-term holiday

lets, many of which are taken by members from the European Union

coming over for short-term stays. There are concerns that after we

leave the EU that could be a downturn in this. Can you give us an

assurance that any deal with the EU goal remained freedom for people to

come short time? There will be no Visa requirements for them to come

to the UK for short-term stay? And recognise the importance of the

issue in having met with the Scottish hospitality sector Job my

last visit in Scotland I discuss some of these issues with them. We

want to ensure the visitors from Europe can continue to come to the

UK and spend the money here and we have the best access for tourists in

both directions. That will be subject to negotiation. Southampton

Airport in my constituency provides regular flights to Amsterdam to over

55 African nations, driving bilateral trade. What is his

department doing to promote similar initiatives that will bring benefits

to the UK economy ready from leaving the EU? The honourable lady is

correct champion the aviation industry in her constituency and the

UK will continue to want to trade with Europe and the wider world.

Having strong aviation links a liberal access to aviation will be

part of that. Tourism in northern Ireland attracts four and a half

million visitors. The aim is to double that by 2020 using the City

of Culture. To achieve this goal, can the Minister outline the

strategy for the incorporation of the UK wide tourism industry what

support has been offered? I have been working closely with the CMS to

make sure we have the best approach to selling the UK brand around the

world. I recognise Northern Ireland has a fantastic tourist industry and

I was elated to meet with representatives of the Northern

Irish hospitality team and I was there last autumn. Some of the

finest parts of the Peak District national park are in Staffordshire,

many beautiful places. One of the skills are young people need to be

can benefit from the tourism industry is the teaching of

languages. What is my honourable friend doing together with the

education department to ensure this is a priority? I rubble friend is a

great champion for as local area and is right to raise this issue. We

have discussed this with the tourism and hospitality industry. We're

looking at how we might be able to continuing the agent with you as

most in the future but there are other ways they need to boost our

domestic skills and pasting languages will be very important to

our global Britain. Tourism is the main catalyst for economic

development in my constituency. How will cross-border tourism trade be

nurtured and financially protected in the face of the challenges from

Brexit and because the Republic of Ireland has a 9% rate of that on to

lose and 20% of my constituency? Whenever how's per it is in these

negotiations across our whole strategy of Brexiting the European

Union is to secure a soft border and to make sure that is a return to the

hard borders of the past and to make sure that that economic prosperity

continues, that those bodies can be in place. This is an issue that we

will continue to engage on and we will continue to promote excellent

tourism in Northern Ireland. The ministers of the aware that a record

number of receives visitors came to the UK in the last 12 month period.

70% of those came from there. Those figures show that the UK might be

leaving the EU, but we are open to visitors from the EU and the rest of

the world. I agree with my rubble friend and neighbour. Can I thank

him for all the work he has sunk to make sure our department guessing to

hear directly from the tourism hospitality industry across the UK.

With your permission, I will answer questions four and 11 together. The

Northern Ireland consecutive have participated in joint ministerial

procedures to discuss our clients are excellent and to ensure we

deliver a plan that works for the whole of the UK. Want to see the

political situation in Northern Ireland resolved. That is what the

Secretary of State is working hard to achieve. Can I thank you for your

interest in Northern Ireland and coming over to visit on a number of

occasions, including in my constituency. Mike insurgency has a

land border with the Republic of Ireland. How can you ensure that is

further good cooperation as Brexit negotiations continue, particularly

in the absence of the Northern Ireland executive. The Secretary of

State for Northern Ireland and the Prime Minister committed to ensuring

that has established a negotiating position the unique interests of

Northern Ireland are protected and advance. They have a clearer

understanding of the range of views from a course Northern Ireland will

continue to champion is interest in the coming months. We remain

committed to working with all parties and an executive in the

months ahead despite forever to ensure we deliver a good deal for

the whole of the UK, including Northern Ireland. May I thank the

Minister for all his hard work. In recent weeks there have been many

discussions in Northern Ireland regarding electoral pacts. A bid to

block Brexit, as if the decision can be rice. With the Minister agree

with me is that the efforts of all parties would be better put together

in achieving the best outcome for Brexit and Northern Ireland?

Absolutely. One of the strengths of our electoral system is allows

people to choose the best candidate to represent them, not stitch ups

between politicians and parties. I campaigned on the remain said during

the referendum, but I am working as hard as it can to make the decision

of the UK is success. I think voters should represent about whether their

representatives are working constructively to get the best

outcome for their constituencies and the UK, rather than deals behind

closed doors. Come I are both friend assure the House that he will do his

utmost to ensure the United Kingdom withdrawing from the EE does not

disrupt peace on the island of Ireland. He is right to raise this

point and we must continually work to make sure we protect the peace

agreement that underpins it. Because some unique relationship between the

UK and the Republic of Ireland, which I think is a better state than

it has been in decades. Number five, please, sir.

We want to ensure that UK companies have the maximum freedom to trade

with and operating in European markets and let European businesses

do the same. Financial services is an area where a bold and ambitious

trade agreement will be sold and we will talk to the industry as we

prepare for negotiations, making clear that we can do validation

payment will be important to minimise disruption. The Great

Repeal Bill will prepare the ground for exits on the date really do it

as little disruption, as much certainty and continuity as

possible, and a strong government would be best placed to deliver

this. I'm grateful for the contribution that the government

intend that the financial services should be in the free trade

agreement. Willie confirmed we will negotiate to ensure maximum access

for a licence firms on the basis of mutual recognition? My honourable

friend is absolutely right. As Brogue Kick Rick we are

-- as a priority we are pursuing this agreement. We know our European

neighbours have a stake in this because we know that they don't want

to lose access to financial services of the City of London. One

adjustable addict is important for the UK and the whole of Europe and

it is one of the reasons we want to reach a deal with EU on financial

services. We will seek to establish strong arrangement with the EU and

will continue to support and implement napped -- international

standards to safely serve the European, you get a global economy.

Will the Minister stop reading his brief and read from the heart?

I have a large number of people in the National Health Service with the

cruel closure of the Huddersfield infirmary that this government is

doing nothing to stop. Can't he do something about the financial sector

workers and health workers with the EU catastrophe arriving? Mr Speaker,

I am delighted it is a government that is standing up for every sector

of our economy including the financial services sector. The

honourable gentleman put up that this sector does not just met in

London but because the country and we will fight for those jobs as

every Labour government in history has destroyed jobs. Was my write an

over friend impressed as I was by the new spirit witnessed at the

prosperity UK conference yesterday where the Secretary of State spoke

so inspirational? I'm grateful for my honourable friend's question and

of course we welcome the engagement of so many businesses from across

sectors in making this process the greatest success that it can be. I

hope you will indulge me for a moment when I took my oath you told

me that my voice would be heard in this chamber and you have kept your

word. You have been a champion and I thank you for that. At the start of

this week the EU 27 firm Abera Brexit guidelines and stated that

any future framework should safeguard financial stability in the

union and respect its regulatory and supervisory standards regime and

application. After this major blow to the Prime Minister's unworkable

plans for our hard Brexit, how do we expect to see a change in the

Conservative manifesto...? Can I welcome the honourable lady's

question because as I said in my answer previously, we recognise the

importance of financial stability for the whole of Europe including

the UK and of reaching a deal with our European counterparts. What I

meant with the financial services industry in Scotland to talk about

these matters they were very clear on the importance of it and also on

the vast importance of the United Kingdom market for Scottish

financial services. What assessment does my honourable friend make up

the French government warnings that the city should continue to be

overseen by EU regulators? I would say to my honourable friend that we

recognise the importance of regulatory oversight and the mutual

revelatory understanding as we move toward a trade agreement with the

EU. But one of the things I have learned whilst doing this job is the

huge respect in which UK regulators are held around the whole of Europe

and we have some of the best financial regulators in the world.

What assessment has the Minister been able to make about the loss of

the European banking authority and what impact that might have on the

financial services sector? The future of European agencies is of

course a subject for the negotiations to come but I've no

doubt that the UK will continue to be a global centre of the financial

services and for leading the conversation into the regulation of

financial services in years to come. Financial services are important to

the economy in my constituency and I welcome all my honourable friend's

comments. Would he agree with me that it is in Europe's interests

that they should have a good deal here because they are going to need

access to the City of London, it is not the UK which has a banking

crisis at the moment. My honourable friend is right both in drawing

attention to the importance of financial services across the whole

country and that this is about the mutual interests of the UK and EU.

We want a deal that works for both and access to the global leading

financial markets in London will be as important for the other side in

this negotiation as it is for us. Last month the Secretary of State

confirm to the Brexit select committee that exiting the EU on WTO

terms would mean an end to passporting writes. Does degree that

would be for our financial services sector and all those who work in it

and if so, does he agree that no deal is not a viable option for the

financial services sector? As a priority we are pursuing the most

ambitious trade agreement that has been achieved with the EU and that

is in greater scope and omission than any before. We think that the

financial services market access and access the European firms to the UK

and vice versa is hugely important and that is what we're focused on.

But let me say to the honourable gentleman that the position of his

party that any deal is better than no deal is an absurdity when it

comes to defending the national interests. We need to get the right

deal and to be able to say to the other side that if they don't offer

us the right deal the UK will manage and take the right steps and protect

itself. Of course our focus should be on the best deal. The latest

draft EU negotiating guidelines discussed on Monday suggest that the

financial services would be separated from any agreement on our

future trade deal. If the government cannot secure the safety and

certainty of the financial services sector as part of any agreement,

what is their back-up plan? I would say to the honourable gentleman that

we don't write the guidelines but we recognise financial services will be

part of of deal. We talked about this, they have not ruled it out,

they said they don't want to do separate sectoral deals and nor do

we, we want the most competent to deal agreement and that Jude include

financial services. Question number six. I will start by disappointing

the member for Huddersfield and stick to my brief! The White Paper

published on the 30th of March set out that the employment and workers'

rights under EU law will continue to be available in the UK law after we

have left the EU will step since the Great Repeal Bill will convert EU

law into domestic law. This will give certainty and continuity to

employees and employers alike creating stability in which the UK

can grow and thrive. I'm grateful to the Secretary of State for that

answer, since the health and morals of apprentices act it is the

conservatives who first protectors work is right and put those

predictions onto the statute book. We'll be Secretary of State confirm

that post Brexit we will continue to do so but not only to protect them

but also to enhance them, proving that we are the real workers party?

I have to say I had not expected references to 1802? The very first

piece of employment legislation in this house brought in by a

Conservative government long before the Labour Party existed. I suspect

we will be bringing them long after they cease to exist. He is

absolutely right, we will continue to protect workers' rights and the

Prime Minister has made it plain not just that we will protect them which

was the line I started last year, when I took this job, but we will

expand them and she has appointed the Taylor commission under Matthew

Taylor with the explicit aim of ensuring that these rights are

appropriate to the modern age and protect people in the modern age.

All the evidence shows that the productivity and well-being of

workers including those in the NHS is still awaiting that ?350 million

a week as promised by the Leave campaign is improved by public days.

Would you not agree that having an additional four as we propose,

although still short of what they have in Finland and Spain which is

14 and 15, would bring us into line with the European average of 12? At

the moment we only have eight. It is an example of how... I think we have

got the gist, the thrust of it has been communicated! The short answer

is no but the more elaborate answer is that we have employment rights in

this country which are better across-the-board than that European

Union minimum and this is true of mandatory holidays and annual

holidays and of maternity rights to give just two examples. I'm afraid

we don't have an awful lot to learn from the EU in that respect. Mr

Speaker, after these questions we go into a general election that, at the

EU has already said, will make little difference to the

negotiations and it has more to do with exploiting a civil war on the

Labour benches and preventing another civil war on the Tory

benches. In terms of workers' rights, what about those who are

currently in work? This week the NGO announced they could be 100 job

losses in Scotland with the union describing it as a company hedging

their bets over Brexit and the government has been asleep at the

wheel -- Diageo announced. We just need one sentence, spit it out. Job

losses is very important and in terms of job losses will bets be a

priority? The first thing I would say suppose if that is one thing I

should take lectures from the SNP on it is promoting civil conflict! In

terms... In terms of the question he put, is it a priority the promotion

of the economy and the answer is yes. The reason why the SNP is out

polling the Tories so highly if they are united in getting behind... And

getting decent deal in Europe. The Secretary of State has put aside

these negotiations for narrow political benefit that he would have

in Scotland, what is he going to do about these threats to jobs? We will

seek the best possible deal to maintain a relationship with the

European Union and over and above that the best possible Beale the

rest of the world where we already get 60% of our exports from. My

department is responsible for overseeing negotiations to leave the

EU and establishing the future relationship between a global

Britain at the EU but it is working hand-in-hand with the Department for

International Trade as we seek deep partnership with the EU and

comparative trade agreement. The Great Repeal Bill will ensure a

smooth and exit and laws will continue to apply wherever

practicable. The negotiation on the future relation with Britain will be

unlike any before because both sides will start from the exact

equivalent. When it comes to these negotiations is it his intention to

recruit an embed outside talent and expertise in different sectors to

reinforce and bolster their own civil service teams? Has this

outreach programme started? I can assure my honourable friend that we

have been doing that outreach and both the Department of International

trade and ourselves have been bringing egging expertise from

across the civil service and the errors of the private sector -- have

been bringing in expertise. In the last three months I have asked

ministers six times how the government plans to extract is from

the European Economic Area. Not once have I got a straight answer.

Throwing away our membership of the single market with no plan for a

vote in Parliament is the single largest act of economic self harm

and democratic nihilism I can imagine. In which year that the

minister believe we should come out of the European Economic Area and

will the so-called Great Repeal Bill include the repeal of the 93

European Economic Area act? I would say to the honourable lady that the

government position on this is clear, we are a member of the

European Economic Area as a consequence of our EU membership and

we respect the position of European leaders that the four freedoms are

inseparable and we are leaving the EU but we will be seeking to form a

deep and come rancid free-trade agreement between the UK and the EU.

-- and comprehensive agreement. We will hear from the fellows

surely. I'm sure he knows his own name. Sir Edward. In the interests

of good governance, will the Minister shot the permanent

Secretary to make sure there are worthwhile discussions with the

possible future Government to ensure how we are going to square the

circle of staying in the single market but controlling immigration,

and being outside the customs union, I don't know what they're going to

do, and trying to make new trade agreements. Could he square the

circle? I congratulate my honourable friend for his demonstration of the

single transferable question. The speech from the Shadow Secretary of

State has been widely picked up as being a confused position. Our

permanent secretary is bright and brilliant enough to be able to work

his way through it. Mr Speaker, it is nice to be here. The Government

is committed to securing a deal that works for the entire United Kingdom,

including all parts of England. We are working with the local

Government Association and regional partners to understand the problems

and to identify any regional differences. As my honourable friend

will be aware, the Secretary of State has already committed to

bringing the mayor 's together for a summit in the summer. The Secretary

of State agreed to hold a meeting in York for the mayor is off the north

to make sure the region's interests are properly represented. With

Yorkshire's devolution deal is proving challenging, with the

Secretary of State agreed to invite those areas that are not represented

by a male? The Government is committed to securing a deal that

works for the whole of the United Kingdom and every part of England.

Ministers have visited Yorkshire on a number of occasions, including the

Secretary of State's visitor November, and sure he will be

willing to consider another visit after the election. There has been

investment in funding from the European Union, counterbalancing the

effect of this another Tory governments. What guarantee will he

offered that the repatriations of powers from Europe will not mean

further concentration and Whitehall and that it will be devolved to the

region 's? After the United Kingdom lease the European Union will be

giving full consideration to further devolution to bring powers as close

as possible to all parts of the country, but we are committed to

securing a deal that works for the north-east and ministers have

visited every part of England, including a recent doesn't to

Sunderland to talk to people about manufacturing issues. On his visits

around the regions of the UK, will the Minister make it clear that in

order to deliver and take back control of our money, our laws and

our borders, we must leave the single market, leave the customs

union, and establish sovereign control of our borders and the

maritime waters. He has set out the Government position Abra boy. --

admirably visiting the Northeast is always a good thing to do and we are

happy to have him, but while he is there he needs to listen. The

warned that walking away with no warned that walking away with no

deal would condemn Northeast manufacturing to a painful and

costly Brexit. Instead of posturing, the engineering employers Federation

was the Government to focus on having a clear position on customs

and a sensible transition period. Why isn't the Government listening

to manufacturers in the north Christmas on the contrary, we

regularly deal with manufacturing industry. I had a meeting with the

EEF that was very successful. The fact of the matter is that we are

planning to seek the best possible free-trade agreement with the

continuing UDP union. Our position will be that no deal is better than

a bad deal and I find it extraordinary that the Government of

the opposition seems to think it is sensible to go to the negotiating

Chamber expecting to have no deal. Thank you, Mr Speaker. We have

regular discussions with ministers, including with the Attorney General.

We fully respect the convention and happy working with the devolved

administrations, through the joint ministerial Committee. Before what

is my last question in this House, can I thank you and your staff

across all areas in which colleagues across the House every success in

the coming months. Can the Minister confirm whether the Great Repeal

Bill will require consent from the dissolved assembly 's? Thank you for

her warm remarks. Could I express my best wishes to her for the future.

Whether or not legislative consent is required for the Great Repeal

Bill will depend on the form and content of that, which will be

published in the next Parliament. Has my right honourable friend

received a report on the visit on Monday and Tuesday this week of the

Scottish affairs Committee to Brussels? Does he share my delight

that it was made absolutely clear throughout those discussions that

the European Union is only interested in negotiating with the

United Kingdom Government and not with the Scottish Government? I did

note that, Mr Speaker, and the position is quite clear. It is

member states and negotiate with European Union and given that this

country voted as a single country to leave the European Union, we should

be expecting the support of the Scottish National Party are not what

they are doing at the moment. Scotland voted twice to remain in

the European Union, because they told us that brought against

independence was afoot to stay in the EU. Statutory instruments are

not normally subject to legislative consent, but will the Government

committed to ensuring that will be consent? It is very likely that the

necessary competences will be created to allow the dissolved

assemblies themselves to make those statutory instruments. On that

point, there have been many who have criticised the Government's plans to

make minor technical changes to legislation using the Henry VIII

powers, which is no more than the plans to use delegated legislation.

Does he agree with me that actually do use of delegated legislation is

an established part of the legislative procedures used in this

House? By honourable friend is entirely right. Any such statutory

instruments would be under statute that would go through this House and

the other place in the normal way. Thank you, Mr Speaker. The

Government is working hard to get the best deal for the United

Kingdom, are free-trade deal with the EU that is more ambitious than

any other yet struck. We are considering and analysing the impact

on future trading in all sectors of our economy, developing policies to

support our vision for a global Britain that is producing more,

selling more on exporting more. Could they Minister tried to

concentrate. Welsh farmers are saying that the door is open to New

Zealand competition which could clear welsh sheep off-the-shelf

because of the price and the door is not open to new markets in the

United States, although this was promised. The Minister will

understand the culture of priority of men training Welsh farms, where

one of the most ancient languages and the whole of Europe prospers in

its purest and best form. Is this not a major priority to the

Government, to give a guarantee to welsh farmers? I represent many more

welsh farmers than he does and I intend to do so and after the

general election. This Government is intent on ensuring the best possible

free-trade agreement for this country, which will benefit all

farmers including Welsh farmers, and we intend to ensure Welsh exports

continue as the general election. If she would like to contribute, she

was welcome to do so. Welsh sheep are important part of the

agricultural sector in Wales and the farming community as a whole

throughout the UK is looking for reassurance that they will be

supported and to relieve the European Union full up there is a

very high agricultural sector in my constituency and they would be

grateful of the protection as you leave the European Union. The

agricultural sector is very important in the forthcoming

negotiations. We have already increased the number of exports from

the British farming sector, we are currently in the process of

negotiating to open a market in Saudi Arabia and there are other

opportunities out there once we have left the European Union.

Excellent, I was hoping the Honourable Gentleman would beetle

into the House on time and he has done so. I reinstate number 13. Mr

Henry Smith. Thank you, Mr Speaker. With your permission I will and so

questions 1319 together. Engagement with industry is an essential part

of our plan to build a national consensus around a negotiating

position. We're been speaking to industry groups across the UK and

internationally, including Rolls-Royce and the aerospace growth

partnership. Thank you for your forbearance. Well my honourable

friend... And much more, Mr Speaker. Well my honourable friend welcome

Boeing's investment in a new hangar maintenance facility at Gatwick

Airport as proof of the expanding aviation sector, even post-Brexit?

Yes, indeed. Boeing have announced 100 new jobs of their facility at

Gatwick. Aviation and the space industry are vitally important parts

of our economy and we have no doubt that they will continue to thrive

after we have left the European Union. I am grateful to the Minister

for mentioning Airbus who have our location in my constituency. What

discussions has the Minister had with these companies to reassure

them that their supply chains are secure and that there will be

well-placed to make the most of a global, facing Britain. I have had

several discussions with various aerospace companies, including

Airbus, Blair met in Bristol recently. We understand that supply

chains across Europe are heavily integrated, but there is a mutual

interest in agreeing trading arrangements. The British aerospace

industry is the most important in Europe and there is a mutual

interest in ensuring the continued elation ships persist beyond Brexit.

-- the continued relationships. I think it is me again. This was the

question that was due to be linked with number ten. The ministerial

team have frequent discussions with colleagues across departments,

including the Department for International Trade, about our

future relationship with European Union. The Government wants to

secure and mutually beneficial customs agreement and a bold and

ambitious free-trade agreement on greater scale and ambition than any

before it. Does the Minister agree with International Trade Secretary

that it needs to be easier to hire and fire workers in the UK. Our

commitment to the security of workers' rights has been stated many

times. We called a debate in Government time to ensure that point

was well made and I am surprised that the Honourable Gentleman raises

the issue again. Car manufacturers a vital part of the Shropshire

economy. Could he commit that any free-trade agreement will protect

car manufacturer throughout the United Kingdom?

Clearly a agreement would not only be a huge benefit to Land Rover in

shops and many other motor manufacturers in the country. -- in

Shropshire. We are seeking an ambitious agreement that would

provide a host of opportunities for manufacturers across the world. The

Minister will no doubt paragraph 19 of the European Council draft

guidelines for the negotiations on the future EU UK relationship

declared there must be a level playing field for competition with

the same social and environmental standards. Does the Minister agree

with that principle and would he be happy to see it in bedded in the

agreement? Firstly these are draft guidelines, the final guidelines

will not be issued until the 29th of this month. These are the guidelines

under which the EU want us to operate the discussions, it remains

to be seen what our response to that is. Although we are of one mind that

we have to questions and only one knighthood! The government is right

to seek continuing free-trade agreement with the EU, it would be

in the interests of the EU as well as ourselves and it would be the

first, best outcome. They cannot admit to what is quite likely that

politics might, macroeconomics and there might be no deal. Can they

confirm that in those circumstances we will go to a good second-best

which is trading on most-favoured-nation terms as do the

European Union's most successful partners, the USA, China, Japan and

Russia? It would mean an average tariff of 4%, relatively small beer

competitiveness because of the competitiveness because of the

exchange rate and saving ?10 billion a year which is equivalent to a 7%

tariff on our exports. Let me say quite clearly that the ambition and

the intention of the government is to achieve the best possible

free-trade agreement with our EU partners. However, opposition also

is that we expect to negotiate toughly and unlike the opposition

our position will be made clear to the EU that we are prepared to walk

away from the negotiating table if it is not possible to achieve a deal

that suits us. The Secretary of State when he gave evidence to the

select committee told me the government had not undertaken any

economic assessment of the impact of Brexit Cynthia Bean in his post.

Could he update the house on whether there have been any progress and

will be also ensure that when it comes to publishing the government's

final deal that there is an economic assessment of the impact of that

deal, of the impact of no deal, so my constituents and the country can

about whether no deal is indeed about whether no deal is indeed

better than a bad deal? The department has carried out an

in-depth assessment right across 50 sectors of the economy. What we have

made clear is that it is not in the national interest for us to produce

a running commentary on how we are developing our negotiating position

and that will remain the case. Question number 15.

We're working closely with colleagues across government to

assess the impact that withdrawal from the EU overlap across sectors

in crosscutting areas and the environment sector is continuing the

best options for future agricultural and land use Halsey that can benefit

British farming, countryside and the environment. I'm grateful for his

answer and the UK exit from the EU could provide many new and exciting

opportunities for our farmers but in order to get the policy right, what

work is going on alongside Defra to engage fully with our farmers and

also with the sector more generally? also with the sector more generally?

And at any time A-listers would be welcome the company date with my

farmers in Corby and East Northamptonshire. We are presented

with an unprecedented opportunity to redesign agricultural policies to

suit the British agricultural industry. And we are meeting with a

number of interested parties and stakeholders from the agricultural

sector and we have had meetings with all the British farming unions, the

national pig Association, country land and business Association and

the International meat trade association to name but a few.

Question 16, please. We're working closely with

colleagues across government to assess the impact that withdrawal

from the EU will have a number of sectors in cost-cutting areas. I

have meetings with a number of stakeholders from the Scottish food

and drinks sector including NFU Scotland, the Scotch Whisky

Association, the Scottish fishermen Association, the Scottish fishermen

's Federation and the food and drink Federation. I'm grateful for the

answer, Stirling constituency has many world-class food and drink

companies. I wonder what assurances the Secretary of State or the

Minister could give me if any that during the Brexit negotiations

access to the important EU market for these excellent MPs can be

maintained unprotected? As I have said already, we are seeking a

free-trade agreement that would continue to secure such access but

might I also say that the Scotch Whisky Association has said that

there are enormous opportunities for the sector if the UK can secure

favourable bilateral trade deals across other export markets. India

is a growing market for Scotch whiskey but we are being held back

by a 150% tariff so the honourable gentleman should be looking for the

opportunities of Brexit and not being a wet blanket. Thank you, Mr

Speaker. Since the SNP government came into office, the value of

Scottish food exports has more than doubled with businesses in my

constituency enjoyed excellent levels of growth. What impact

assessment has his department carried out on the impact of Brexit

on such excellent growth or is it simply fingers crossed approach?

Morning I received a response from the Scotland Office in relation to a

question I posted to the Secretary of State for Scotland and we now

know that the Scotland Office has not made any assessment of the

impact of Brexit on Scottish trade. I'm surprised to hear that, Mr

Speaker. As I said a moment ago, in fact the Scotch was the association

itself has identified enormous opportunities from Brexit so maybe

when the honourable lady goes back to her constituency to do

campaigning, she might go to her nearest distillery and ask them what

they think. Number 17, please, Mr Speaker. The government has provided

assurances to EU student in the UK and are welcomed the announcement

that confirmed EU students applying to study at English universities in

2018 at the 19th will continue to remain eligible for undergraduate,

masters, and financial support even if the course concludes after the UK

exit the EU. The government want an environment in which the UK remained

a world leader in research and academia and continues to be home to

the best universities in the world. I would like to echo this sentiment

about international students and commend my honourable friend for all

this work on that campaign. I'm proud to have the award-winning

Huddersfield University in our town and I've visited the Institute for

railway research a couple of weeks ago and thanks to a business growth

fund they are working on innovative rail and tram projects around the

world including in Australia, so can the Minister and his deep make sure

what world-class universities will be Gavor heart of the opportunities

that Brexit will bring? My honourable friend is absolutely

right to champion our universities and along with my colleague I have

been meeting regularly with his higher education and innovation

Council which represents the views of the university sector and it is

clear that UK collaborative research both with EU partners and widely in

the world is a huge opportunity for improving this process.

Can I thank my honourable friend for his debate the other day in

Westminster Hall where we discussed this issue. A Conservative

government successfully secured the rebate in 1984 which was introduced

in 1985 and compiling an aggregate figure in real to the context matter

and the government has not published such figures but I know he has

estimated it at well over ?100 billion. Details of the most recent

rebate are published in a document and the latest edition was published

in February report that the UK received a rebate of ?3.9 billion

from the EU in 2016. A massive 117 billion pound total rebate since

Margaret Thatcher negotiated it in 1984 is testament to her resolution

and determination in getting the best deal for Britain and refusing

to take no for an answer. Will my honourable friend agree to emulate

her negotiating style and to swing the metaphorical handbag until we

get the deal that Britain needs? I can assure my honourable friend that

as both at the tap repetition of both our secretary of state and the

Prime Minister we'll be robust in defining our national interest

throughout this process. As the Prime Minister set out, the days of

Britain making vast contributions to the EU every year will end. A

strong, stable government will be best placed to secure the best deal

for the British taxpayer and just as our first lady prime ministers

secured the rebate and taxpayer Balliu, I am sure our second one

will fight our corner in these negotiations. Number one, please.

Before I answer that I start by thanking you for your forbearance

and indeed for ever because you have done for this house. We have a clear

plan for Britain, one that fosters a deep and a special new partnership

with the EU and serves the interests of all parts of the UK. We want that

partnership to be underpinned by a comp rancid free-trade agreement

that gives UK companies the maximum access to European markets and

European companies the same access to UK markets -- comprehensive

free-trade agreement. Membership of the single market involves

maintaining or four freedoms including free movement of people

which is inconsistent with our desire to take back control of our

borders. Britain is leaving the EU but not Europe and it has been in

both our interest to see the EU succeed socially, politically and

economically and it will be our policy. Would my right honourable

friend confirmed that as part of that plant is the government's

commitment to put the right to EU citizens to British law by the Great

Repeal Bill and nothing will affect those right and as has the consent

of this house? Indeed he is right and one of the things I think people

have missed and he has picked up in this is that any change in those

right would require primary legislation in this house in

addition to that our plan is to put through the Great Repeal Bill and

have subsequent consequential primary legislation which will

underpin those rights. I have made these points to many of my opposite

numbers but other member state and said this is obviously will be taken

at the same time as protection of British rights abroad and all

understood it and welcome it and I'm very confident that we can get a

deal which will protect all of the 4 million people in very short order.

Let me pick up on that theme because of the Secretary of State knows,

around 3 million EU nationals are very anxious about their status when

we leave the EU. Labour would unilaterally Danty their status from

day one. Under this government, or they can do is apply for

consideration for permanent residency. As the Brexit committee

warned in March, the current process for consideration a permanent

residency applications is not fit for purpose. He knows how important

it is. Have things improved? The thing I would say and I respect his

concern in this area and let me be clear about that, but I would say

that the system is not designed to deal with 3 million people and it

has been made plain, if you go on the Home Office website you will say

that it says you don't need to make an application and when we move the

primary legislation, I believe it will be very simple. As the

Financial Times reported yesterday, the Home Office is now saying don't

apply them is that the official government position for EU

nationals, don't apply for permanent residency? Is that how they are

going to deal with the anxiety? Don't apply? But that is about is

the reflection of what is on the website of the Home Office which is

that they don't need to apply for their rights to be underpinned. That

is the approach we are taking. Bear in mind, for the next two years

irrespective of anything the government does, all of the existing

rights and privileges continue to apply. There will be no change in

that respect. Before we come to the point of exit from the EU, we will

have made this very clear in primary legislation.

The Lincolnshire coast line is the best place in the country for a

traditional seaside holiday. But the coastline also has pockets of

deprivation and investment in infrastructure such as broadband,

traffic solutions and renovated beach huts are key to the local

economy. Can my honourable friend reassure my constituents that the

coastal economy and rural economy will be central in preparations for

our exit? I am grateful to the honourable lady for that question.

Her coastline, with the exception of the north Wales coastline, is one of

the most beautiful in the UK. Coastal communities do contribute an

important part to our economy. They are part of the study we have big

undertaking and we intend to ensure their interests are reflected

post-Brexit. The Prime Minister called the general election in the

name of unity to strengthen her EU negotiating position, but this is

the Prime Minister who said, -- sent Go Home vans around parts of

Britain. She aided and abetted the most disgraceful campaign against

the first-Muslim-macro back capital city and this is the Government

which we did had Brexit allies seeks to call anyone who calls into

question their negotiating strategy a bunch of saboteurs. He's not the

truth that far from uniting this country, this Government has been

dividing it since they took office? If the honourable gentleman wants an

answer, the first place he should start is on the streets of Britain,

where he will find a massive support for Prime Minister. A massive

respect for our Prime Minister, and a belief that she will deliver the

best outcome in the Brexit negotiations. Last week, I met staff

at Norwich manufacturing, they small but impressive company with links to

Ireland and the continent. Firms such as this need is free as

possible trade between the other member states. Will he look for

security, stability, and simplicity, for small firms up and down this

country? We fully understand the importance of these issues to SMEs

including those in her constituency, and let me repeat for the umpteenth

time, we are pursuing a bold and ambitious free trade agreement which

will be for the benefit of firms such as those and others around the

country. Thousands of my constituents work in Edinburgh's

financial sector, the second largest in the UK. Following the

announcement by the EU 27 this week that the intend to exclude the

financial services sector from any future trade deal with the UK after

Brexit, can the minister tell me what contingency planning he is

carrying out to protect my constituents' jobs? As I said

earlier, we seek a competitive trade deal which absolutely would include

comprehensive doublet financial services, but we have engaged with

the Edinburgh financial services sector, who have been very clear

with us that access to European Union market is in potent --

important to them but even more important to them is their access to

the rest of the UK and the relationship between Scotland and

the rest of the UK. As my right honourable friend proceeds with the

immense task of delivering a responsible and good Brexit for the

country and most especially at these difficult times for me to six, would

he agree with me that we cannot pretend to be a global player

without running an open economy with an orderly, and bureaucratic

immigration policy which will allow businesses and public services the

people and skills they need? Mid Sussex is in good hands. Of course

he's right. The balance that any Government strikes when it controls

its own immigration policy, controls its own borders, something which he

has fought for down the years, is one which is both... Provides proper

security and proper policy, in terms of delivery of social services and

delivering housing, that but at the same time, allows our businesses,

universities, our research centres, I financial centres, all to take

part in the battle for talent which actually makes our country one of

the greatest in the world. Can I thank you for putting up with me so

tolerantly for quite a long time? But can I also warn you I will make

every effort to be back and troublesome in future? And can

surprise you by asking a topical question? The fact is, I want to ask

the Secretary of State, people like me, we were remainders but we accept

for the will of the British people and we want a great deal for this

country and we are very worried that this election will get in the way.

GCC this morning's report from make pharmaceutical industry, by the

pharmaceutical industry will move out of Britain for two reasons, one

11, Brexit, and two, the fact we have not put sufficient resources

into our national health service. He's the one person who has actually

got me a rebuke from the Speaker in the past, so I look forward to him

coming back and continuing that tradition. We have had industries

relocated here. We have had people like GlaxoSmithKline increased

expenditure here. And as for the other aspect of the attempt by the

AP PI, it seemed to be pressure on the spending of the National health

service, which is something I think is more for the Health Secretary,

but I think he will make sensible decisions in the national interest,

not in individual industry's interest. We have outstanding are

space -- aerospace businesses in the UK, including Rolls-Royce. Would my

right honourable friend agree that it is a vital sector to the UK

economy, and assured this House that it will have a strong voice in the

negotiations? Pendle has a strong voice going into the next general

election. Aerospace is a key industry for this country and that

is why, as I said earlier, we have paid so much attention. We will make

sure we continue to have the most important are space industry in

Europe. Far from there being an extra ?350 million a week to be

spending on the NHS following Brexit, we are likely to face an NHS

staff crisis and slow access to cancer drugs and treatment because

of the loss of the European medicines agency. Is the Secretary

of State going to be putting that sign on a bus in the next few weeks?

One of the oddities of the position of the Labour Party is that on one

hand, it says, you must represent everybody, which is entirely proper,

but on the other hand, they want to revisit... I will answer when

Heckerling stops. Clearly the onboard gentleman is getting into

hustings at his constituency. It may be the last one he has. I will not

revisit the oddments of the past. I will work on delivering the best

outcome for the future. -- I will not revisit the arguments. As this

is the last day and other than points of order, we will be

suspending, my instinct is to hear colleagues who want to ask

questions, but I hope that they will be able to be heard. If colleagues

would like to put the questions forward to the Secretary of State

and his colleagues, I am open to that. With great brevity. Does he

agree that financial services in London, Edinburgh and throughout the

country will be able to benefit for equivalence and mutual recognition

as an alternative to pass porting to ensure that sector remained open and

thriving, as stated by the Governor of the Bank of England recently?

She's right and we will continue to work closely with the regulators to

ensure we have some of the best regulated financial services in the

world. The secretary of the state is a wise man and we all read his wife

article in the Irish Times on September the 5th last year, when he

said that Ireland did not have to choose between Ireland and the UK,

it could have extensive trade and commerce. Ireland is a big market

for England but not the biggest, so given his wise words in Ireland,

what patients does he have with those that somehow suggest that

England would like to have trade barriers with its largest market in

Europe and at ?50 billion its second largest export market in the world,

Scotland. Before I answer, I will say this, he's an old friend and

politics notwithstanding I wish him well. The answer to his question, I

don't want to see any trade barriers within the United Kingdom, which is

why I support the union. Whilst all of us in this place want a good

negotiating settlement, for some it is vital, not least the agricultural

sector, who do stand to lose significantly if there is no deal.

Could my right honourable friend continue to reassure that despite

the necessary shorthand of our approach to the negotiations, that

means the -- that the need for the agricultural sector to be secure is

uppermost in his mind? He is right that the agricultural sector is the

most sensitive to the issue of tariffs and indeed the issue of

customs, because of the nature of the product. Very often it is

biodegradable and so on. It is also true that this is true the other way

round, we are an enormous market for France, Bavaria and many other

agricultural areas of Europe. So we have dead centre the aim of getting

a frictionless trade in that sector and we are confident that it is in

the interests of the whole of the European Union, not just us. Will be

minister tell us why we are going into this premature election? Those

others who voted to remain have accepted fully the decision voted

for Article 50 as they did in the other house. That is not the reason.

Can he confessed today that the real reason that we are having this

election is that the Government want to escape from the promise they made

two years ago, the five-year promise not to raise taxes and to respect

the triple lock? And isn't it true that what lies ahead on the economic

front isn't a great -- is a great sink hole into which our economy

will fall in a tailspin? I note the attention to your call for a short

question, Mr Speaker. But I will give it a short answer. The Labour

Party throughout this has maintained its interesting schizophrenia. On

the one hand, saying, we respect the outcome of the referendum, and then

at every turn trying to thwart it. They say, you have a mandate to lead

but not on these terms. When the election is over, we will have a

mandate on those terms. Thank you. We'll be minister consider a West

Midlands Brexit summit with the new mayor of the West Midlands, who will

hopefully be Andy Street and with key regional businesses so that we

can ensure that the West Midlands' interests are considered in the

Brexit negotiations and Brexit delivers for the West Midlands as

well as the rest of the country? One of the best things that could happen

to the West Midlands is for Andy Street to be elected, and I will

make time to see him as soon as he is. London is the predominant

economic force in the country. I want assistance and cooperation --

what assistance and cooperation has my right honourable friend received

from the Mayor of London and the authorities in London to ensure a

smooth, clean Brexit that benefits the capital and the whole of the

country? He's dead right that the financial sector in London is the

largest, but not just London, remember Scotland is a major

financial sector, and so on. We have been in constant communication. All

of the ministers in the department and the relevant ministers in the

Treasury, with the whole sector, and representative groups of the sector,

and a large number of companies in the sector. And to give him his due,

I have also had representations from Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, and

useful, day since -- useful conversations with him and we

recognise we have the interests of London at heart. What kind of deal

does he think he will get if he and his Government refuses to pay their

dues in Europe? Surely negotiations are about give and take? It is

interesting that the Scottish National Party wants to give ?60

billion. My constituency in Bromley and Chislehurst welcome the emphasis

given to the financial services, our largest employer. Wilkie also

acknowledge that these are important to the Crown dependencies? And also

to the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar? Will he make sure those

two key areas also get the full benefit of our ambitious free-trade

deal? The honourable gentleman is just

about old enough to remember me defending Gibraltar before and we

defended it then and we will now. My constituency with the net

beneficiary from the EU is to boost our economy we need continuous

investment for jobs so will the Minister commit to the same high

levels of infrastructure investment for the future? The honourable

gentleman will know that the government has guaranteed structural

fund payments to 2020 and he must also understand that the

responsibility for delivering infrastructure in Wales is that the

Welsh Assembly government and no doubt he will be speaking to his

colleagues as soon as Parliament is risen. I thought we were about to

hear from the member of South Norfolk who has -- but we are

ratified we will hear from him. I'm grateful, I only wish to ask about

the pig industry, an important industry across is Anglia. Can you

tell us what prospect they see for the industry which is not happy

subsidy from the public purse but would have made huge gains

particularly in China where the pigs ear deal added ?5 per carcass, what

vast ecstasy to see for this important sector? I am sure that my

honourable friend will be declaring his interest, but can I assure him

that the government understands the importance of pig meat to the

economy. I have met with the National pig Association and that

the say that they are very positive about the future. Can the Secretary

of State name one power or policy area he can definitely guarantee

will be devolved to the Scottish Parliament in the event of Brexit?

All the ones they currently have. In an earlier question reference was

made to the English regions which are of course an EU construction.

They divide great counties like ligature between the East Midlands

and Yorkshire and the Humber. Would it be too much to expect a future

government when we regain our independence to scrap these regions

or at least ensured that linking to it in one of them? -- Lincolnshire.

Or I can say is that the honourable gentleman tempts me to much! In

relation to the preparation for the UK leaving the EU, can I ask how

Northern Ireland will be represented taking into account the state of

devolution and how does he believe he will be able to meet the needs of

Northern Ireland at this time? We continue to urge all parties to come

together so there can be a restoration of the devolved assembly

and we can engage with all parties in Northern Ireland to make sure

their views are represented in this period. I would say to him that

earlier this week I was attending the British and Irish chambers of

commerce where there was cute interest in maintaining strong and

positive relations between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland

and UK -- huge interest. How can any negotiator achieve any concession

from any other negotiator if it is known in advance that he will not

walk away if no concessions are given? My honourable friend is

absolutely right and he crystallises the point on no deal is better than

a bad deal and he demonstrates why the Labour proposal, apart from

being completely impractical, would never be deliverable. Then the

Secretary of State Guaranty regional aid for the West Midlands after

Britain leaves the EU and more importantly, we have a fine

candidate for the mayor's job. Certainly the West Midlands is one

of the powerhouses of this country that will be important for powering

the economy after we have left the EU. These will be matters discussed

in the fullness of time. And with the new mayor. Andy Street. Three

years ago David Cameron and I launched my first election campaign,

British Sugar in Newark, three years and approaching three elections

later, the sugar industry continues to employ hundreds of people in

Nottinghamshire and keeps the field of Nottinghamshire full of rich beet

crop. And the sugar industry is optimistic about the prospects for

Brexit. I know he has acquired a reputation as something of a bruiser

over the years but with 13 years of experience at Tate Lyle, will he

retain his sweet tooth as he approaches the negotiations? I must

admit I am wondering whether I should declare an interest on the

half my pension fund if nothing else! But of course we will fight

the interests of the sugar industry as much as anything else and will be

successful. Mr Speaker, in my constituency energy is the largest

sector, we have wind farms can nuclear power, gas even a panel

going under the day to fit a electrical cables from one end of

Cumbria into Lancashire. EDF energy is the largest employer and they are

continually reinvesting and have plans to expand. Would my honourable

friends agree with me that this is a sign of things to come? We have had

a number of meetings with the energy industry including with EDF and I

would be delighted to meet my honourable friend to discuss this

further because making sure we continue to have the energy to power

the British economy in the future is vital part of our considerations.

Can the Minister confirmed that Britain's withdrawal from the EU

will not affect the border controls and also the immigration controls

that people from the EU are currently subjected to as they enter

the UK? Clearly it is a part of our negotiating aims to have free and

frictionless travel as well as trade. There will honestly be in the

future more control of our borders but it will not be controlled the

signs to inconvenience people, but designed to deliver the national

interest and also keep this a free and open country that welcomes

people from all over the world in the way we have done for centuries

and will do for centuries to come. Is that the last question? Can I

just wish everybody in the house are happy six weeks and I look forward

to seeing some of them again! I thank the Right Honourable gentleman

for what he said and for kind remarks about me earlier. Thank you.

Points of order, I will start with Mr Alex Salmond. Have you had any

notification of statement from