18/01/2017 Prime Minister's Questions

Agricultural Policy is not suited Scotland, especially those forming

in less favoured areas. We now have an opportunity to do something

different and we should seize it. Questions to the Prime Minister.

Number one Mr Speaker. Thank you. This morning I had meetings with

ministerial colleagues and others, in addition to my duties in This

House, I will have further such meetings later today. Thousands of

babies are born each year, shibboleth by alcohol consumed

Alcohol is a primary factor in domestic violence attacks on women.

Does the primers to recognise the seriousness of the country's alcohol

problems and the billions of pounds of cost to the public purse and will

she instructor government to address these problems effectively and as a

matter of urgency? I can certainly say that I recognise the problem is

that alcohol causes. He particularly referenced not just problems for

pregnant women but also the issue around domestic violence and the

part alcohol can often play on domestic violence and abuse. That's

why when I was Home Secretary we produced an alcohol strategy, we

worked on the issue and the government continues to recognise

the importance of this issue and to work on it. Will the Prime Minister

join me in paying tribute to the NHS staff who provide us with such

magnificent treatment day in, day out? Will she also agree with me

that people who miss NHS appointments without cancelling them

cost the NHS a great deal of money and also take up slots which would

otherwise be used by other patients? Will she consider how she might let

those people know of the inconvenience they are causing? My

honourable friend makes two important points. I'm pleased to

join with him in paying tribute to the dedication and hard work of all

those who work in our NHS. Secondly, he is right to point out that if

somebody misses an appointment it is a cost on the NHS. There are a

number of ways in which this is being dealt with, including in some

hospitals sending out text messages reminding people of appointments and

telling them how much it costs if they miss that appointment. Jeremy

Corbyn. Thank you Mr Speaker. Mr Speaker, yesterday the Prime

Minister snubbed Parliament, and snubbed the Brexit committee's

recommendations to bring forward a white paper, while at the same time

describing the referendum as a vote to restore our Parliamentary

democracy. This is about our jobs, living standards and future

prosperity. Why will it not be scrutinised by this House? I say to

the right honourable gentleman that what I did yesterday was set out a

plan for a global Britain. I set out a plan that will put the divisions

of last year behind us, that will show a vision... That shows a vision

for a stronger, fairer, more united, more outward looking, prosperous,

tolerant and independent, truly global Britain. It was a vision

which will shape a stronger future and build a better Britain. Mr

Speaker. Restoring democracy whilst sidelining Parliament. It's not so

much the Iron Lady as the irony lady! Yesterday, Mr Speaker, the

Prime Minister finally provided some detail. Can I urge her to stop her

threat of a bargain basement Brexit, a low pay tax haven on the shores of

Europe. It won't necessarily damage the EU, but it would certainly

damage this country. Businesses, jobs and public services. She

demeans herself and her office, and her country's standing, by making

these kind of threats. What I set out yesterday was a plan for a

global Britain bringing prosperity to this country, and jobs to people,

and spreading economic growth across the country. But actually yesterday,

we'll so learned more of the right honourable gentleman's thinking on

this issue. What he said was the following. "She Has said will leave

the single market but at the same time says she wants to have access

to the single market. I'm not sure how that's going to go down in

Europe. I think we have to have a deal that ensures we have access to

the market". LAUGHTER I've got a plan, he doesn't have a clue! Mr

Speaker, she made the threat. She was the one he made the threat about

slashing corporation tax. If you reduce corporation tax to the lowest

common denominator, this country loses ?120 billion in revenue. How,

then, do you fund public services as a result of that? Last year, the

Prime Minister said leaving the single market would make trade deals

considerably harder. And, while we could certainly negotiate our own

trade agreements, there would be no guarantee that they would be on

terms as good as those we now enjoy. But yesterday, the Prime Minister

only offered as vague guarantees. Can I ask her, does she now disagree

with herself? LAUGHTER The right honourable gentleman might also have

noticed that when I spoke in the Remain Campaign, I said if we voted

to leave the European Union, the sky wouldn't fall in. Look at what has

happened, actually, to our economic situation, since we voted to leave

the EU. I say he talks about the future of this economy, I want us to

be an outward looking nation, trading around the world, bringing

prosperity and jobs into the UK. The one thing that would be bad for the

economy is the answer is that the right honourable gentleman has. He

wants a cap on wages, no control on immigration, and to borrow an extra

?500 billion. That wouldn't lead to prosperity, that would lead to no

jobs, no wages and no skills. The Chancellor said after the referendum

that to lose single market access would be catastrophic. A few days

later the Health Secretary said, the first part of the plan must be

clarity that we will remain in the single market. The Prime Minister

said something about frictionless access to the single market and a

bespoke customs union deal. Could the Prime Minister give us a little

bit of certainty and clarity about this? Has she ruled out paying any

kind of access to what she describes as a frictionless market? I can say

to the right honourable gentleman that access to the single market is

exactly what I was talking about yesterday in my speech. One of the

key principles, key objectives, is that we negotiate a free trade

agreement with the European Union that gives us the widest possible

access for trading with and operating within the European Union.

And he talks about frictionless access, actually this was a separate

point, which is about frictionless borders in relation to the customs

issue. A very important issue in relation to our relationship between

Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The Taoiseach and I and all

parties are absolutely on a single page on this, we want to ensure we

have the best possible arrangement that doesn't lead to a Borders of

the past in Northern Ireland. The question was, would we have to pay

for access to the market or not? The Prime Minister hasn't given an

answer on that. Yesterday she set out a wish list on immigration

referring to skills shortages and high skilled migration. Does she now

disagree with the Secretary of State rural affairs, who told an employer

's conference, don't worry, you can still have cheap EU labour after we

leave the European Union? The Right honourable gentleman talks about

access. Yes, the whole point is that we will negotiate a free trade

agreement with the European Union, but it's about the best possible

access for British business to operate in the European Union member

states and for European businesses to operate here in the United

Kingdom. It's about sitting down and negotiating the best possible deal

for the United Kingdom. That's what I'm committed to and that's what

this government is going to deliver. My question was about how much we

are going to have to pay to have access to the market. Still no

answer. Yesterday she talked about the pressure put on public services

by migration. Can I just remind her, as one of her honourable friends did

earlier, but at the moment there are 55,000 EU citizens working in our

NHS, helping to treat all of the people of this country. There are

80,000 care workers helping our, mainly elderly, people. There are

5000 teachers, educating our children. The real pressure on

public services comes from a government that slashed billions

from the social care budget, that is cutting the schools budget, that is

closing A departments and walk-in centres and sure start centres.

Instead of threatening to turn Britain into an offshore tax haven,

let's welcome those who contribute to our public services and fund our

public services properly, so that we do have the fully functioning NHS

that we all need and deserve! I made clear yesterday, we value those who

have come to the UK and contribute to our economy and our society, and

there will still be people coming to the UK from the European Union, when

we leave the EU. The crucial issue is that it is this government that

will be making decisions about our immigration system for people from

the European Union. But yet again, I say to the right honourable

gentleman, there is indeed a difference between us. It's very

simple, when I look at the issue of Brexit, or indeed at any other issue

like the National Health Service or social care, I consider the issue, I

set out my plan, and I stick to it. It's called leadership, he should

try it sometime! Yesterday was a day for being bold and ambitious and I'm

sure that she noted Lincoln city football club... Qualify to the

fourth round of the FA Cup. I noted her recent comments about white

working-class boys in university. In ten years half a million fewer males

have gone to university than females. Exam result of lower --

exam results are lower at all levels. I ask my right honourable

friend, when can we expect to see practical action on closing the

gender education gap? Can I join my honourable friend in congratulating

Lincoln city on their victory last night and say I think it was a

fitting tribute to Graham Taylor that they won that match. He's

raised an important point. I have highlighted the issue particularly

of white working-class boys who are the group in society least likely to

go to university. We are committed to making sure that every child gets

the opportunity to fulfil their potential, that is about ensuring

apprenticeships are as accessible as possible and I'm pleased to say that

the number of apprenticeships started by males have increased this

year to almost 50%. Also, universities expect to spend ?800

million this year in improving access and success for disadvantaged

students. We want everybody to achieve their potential, whatever

their background and whatever their gender. Shortly after the Prime

Minister confirmed she wants to take the UK out of the single European

market, the Scottish Parliament voted by a large cross-party

majority to remain in the single European market, just as a large

majority of people in Scotland voted to remain in the EU. The Prime

Minister has said that Scotland is an equal partner in the United

Kingdom. Does she still believe this is true, or is she just stringing

the people I might refer the right honourable

gentleman to my speech yesterday where I reiterated my commitment to

be working with the devolved administrations to ensure their

voice is heard of, their interests are taken into account as we proceed

along this path negotiating our exit were European Union. I specifically

references the Scotland plan. I understand the Welsh Government will

produce a plan for Wales for us to look at too. That Scotland plan will

be considered by the JMC on European negotiations tomorrow, I believe.

We'll look at it seriously, working with the Scottish Government on the

proposals they bring forward. Scotland's leading economic

forecaster says, real wages will fall... LAUGHTER Tories jeering and

cheering when the forecast for people's income is as likely to drop

by ?2,000 and that 80,000, Mr Speaker, that 80,000 people may lose

their jobs in Scotland as a result of the hard Tory Brexit plan of the

Prime Minister. Does the Prime Minister believe that this is a

price worth paying for her Little Britain Brexit? I repeat what I said

earlier. We'll work to ensure we get the best possible deal in terms of

access to the single market and continuing to cooperate in part are

inship with the 28 remaining member states of the European Union. The

right honourable gentleman once again talks about the possibility of

a negative impact on Scotland if Scotland were not part of the single

market. His party is dedicated to taking Scotland out of the single

market by taking it out of the UK. Mr Speaker, this week directors of

our larger companies have been told by investors to reign in senior

executive pay which is too often distorted by long-term incentive

plans which are too complex to manage and too excessive in their

rewards. Will my right honourable friend look the such schemes as part

of her corporate Government review? I'm pleased to say this Government's

taken action on executive pay already giving shareholders the

power to veto pay policies and force companies to Des cloy their board's

pay. I want to build on that. We've pubbish Hirsched a Green Paper on

how to strengthen shareholders' influence over executive pay and

have greater transparency. Will the #3r50i789 provide a commitment today

that no part of Great Repel Bill will be subject to ennish votes for

English laws? -- lengthish votes. The honourable lady might recognise

the Great Repel Bill will have a number of complex issues it will be

dealing with. It will be ensuring at its heart will be the European

communities act repeal. One of the issues we'll need to look at looking

at that bill and negotiating our way out of the European Union is the

issue of reserve matters and devolved matters. There are many

aspects... THE SPEAKER: Order. Order. Members

of the Scottish National Party led by the right honourable gentleman on

the front bench who's supposed to be a statesman-like figure should

demonstrate some calm and reserve while being answered by the the

Prime Minister who was questioned. The Prime Minister. The honourable

lady will know full well that any legislation brought before this

House, if any part of it only applies to England then it will be

subject to the English votes on English laws. May I congratulate the

Prime Minister on her delivery yesterday of an historic, defin

tiff, pragmatic, outward looking speech which saw the pound rise to

its highest level in two years and its highest level in two years and

the FTSE up today. Would she agree with me a strong and prosperous UK

as she has planned, would be a nightmare for the Leader of the

Opposition and the EU ruling class? I agree with my honourable friend, a

strong and prosperous Britain is what we want to build as we leave

the European Union. It is only a pitty it seems the Labour Party

aren't interested in doing that and want to do the opposite and bring

this economy down. Number 3, Mr Speaker. I always enjoy my visits to

Wales. I hope to visit Wales in the future. Quite an answer as to

whether she'll visit the Rhondda. I'm happy to accommodate her. I can

do bacon and eggs. More importantly, I could take her to see the best

brass band in the world. Or I could take her to the local food bank

which is based in the closed down Conservative Club. What's happening

at the moment is since 2010, the Government's closed the local

courts, closed the local tax office, the DWP office and the driving

centre. Now the Government's intending to close all the tax

offices in Wales and centralise them in Cardiff. We feel in the valleys

as if we're just ignored by the Government. Can I just beg her to

change direction and start putting Government offices in the small

towns, villages, valleys of this country? Can I say to the right

honourable gentleman, the last time I looked, Cardiff was actually in

Wales. He says we're going to take offices away from Wales but we'll

put them in Cardiff. I think he might find the whole point about

what the HMRC is doing is they are taking, moving from outdated offices

to large, modern, regional centres. That will make it possible for them

to modernise their ways of working, make tax collection more efficient

and improve customer services by HMRC. I welcome my right honourable

friend's speech for a global Britain. It shows you are list why

enning to this side of the House. The council leaders considering the

grater Manchester framework consultation responses as they

listen to the people, give us better infrastructure and protect our green

spaces. I thank my honourable friend for his comments and raising the

issue. The con siltation -- consultation closed earlier this

week. There has been a huge amount of interest from local people. I

echo his comment sayings local leaders should take all

representations into account. In the UK, we have 14 regional markets for

electricity disprobe Ewingses. Highlanders and islanders are facing

higher charges. They are an eye watering 84% higher than

distributary bugs charges for London. Will the Prime Minister

introduce a universal market for electricity pricing. Those of us who

live in the coldest windiest place are are diskrilled against by her

Government and it must end. The honourable gentleman draws attention

to the fact of course geography has an impact on these matters. He talks

about living in the coldest and windiest place. One of the issues

that's interesting to look at in relation to Scotland is the whoa

question of renewables and the opportunities for renewables. I can

tell him we are looking at the impact... We are looking at making

sure... We are looking at making sure energy markets in the UK are

indeed working properly. I'm very pleased the Prime Minister has said

she will take the necessary action on air quality to deal with the

40,000 premature deaths it causes across our country every year. As I

know she believes in her Government leading by example, will she make

sure that all diesel cars are removed from the Government car

service as soon as possible? My honourable friend is right,

improving air quality is a priority for this Government. We are

determined to cut harmful emissions. We've committed money since 2011 to

supporting the take-up of low-emission vehicles. The

Government car service is working to remove diesel cars from its fleet.

It has replaced a quarter and this work conditions to remove diesel

vehicles. Is the Prime Minister aware that I totally agree with what

she said yesterday. It is the job of people in this... Wait for it...

LAUGHTER We in this House have a real responsibility for our children

and grandchildren to have a bright future. But is she aware there are

dark clouds looming on the horizon in terms of intolerance, racism

across Europe and the foundering and flux of many of our great

institutions that have kept peace and prosperity since the last world

war. I speak of the in UN, Nato and indeed the European Union. Are we

fit for purpose in keeping this country safe, secure in that ward?

-- world. I recognise the important issue that the right honourable

gentleman raised in this area. It is pro sighsly as we move out of the

European Union, the UK will be more outward looking. We want to ensure

we play our part in the UN. That the UN itself is able to do the job that

everybody wants it to do. Nato has been the most important bull washing

in terms of maintaining safety and security across the European

continent. That's why we're continuing to support Nato. British

troops are in Estonia. British Forces in Poland, Romania,

continuing to show our commitment to Nato. The thrust of my speech

yesterday was we want a strong, strat edgic partnership with the

European Union. That access to the single market, that free trade

agreement but to continue to work with them on justice and security

matters. Now is not a time to cooperate less, it is a time to

cooperate more. Delighted the third round replay where Sutton united won

against Wimbledon. The pressing issue is to be able to get into work

on a day-to-day basis. Does the Prime Minister welcome the talks

between Aslef and Southern to finding a solution for hard pressed

commuters? As a former Wimbledon councillor, I am anot sure I share

the enthusiasm for the defeat of AFC Wimbledon. On the point about train

strikes, yes, I do. I hope those sitting around the table will

enensure we see an agreement reached which enables passengers to get on

with their lives, their jobs and not suffer the misery brought about by

the strike in the first place. Can I agree with the Prime Minister and

disagree with the last member about the reference to last night's

meeting and AFC's results. If the Prime Minister really believes that

GP surgeries should be open seven days a week, 12 hours a day, would

she be my guest at a meeting against Department of Health diktat which

will close a 6,000 strong surgery. Even better, could she just tell her

Government to stop cuts to GP Ps Sir verieses which force thousands to

attend hard pressed A's like St George's and St Helier or is she

happy to see the poisible collapse of the NHS on her watch? I might

remind the honourable lady, she and I sat on a council together where we

tried to keep Wimbledon playing in Wimbledon other at least in Murton.

GPs are part of the solution in terms of the NHS for the future.

We've seen more GPs coming into the NHS. Something like 5,000 more GPs

being trained and will be in place by 2020. But what we do want to

ensure is that GPs are open and providing the services at times when

the patients want to access them. Mr Speaker, it was quite clear from the

Prime Minister's speech yesterday that she seeks to build a Brexit

consensus and to bring our country back together. I thank her for that.

To that end, and to strengthen the Prime Minister's negotiating hand,

before Article 50 is triggered, would she please considerate least

publishing all those 12 objectives in a White Paper so that we can

debate them here in this place on behalf of all our constituents? My

honourable friend is right. I absolutely understand the point she

raised about Parliament's desire to be able to debate those objectives

which I set out in the plan yesterday. One of the objectives,

one of the principles was about certainly and clarity. It continues

to be the Government's intention that we will provide clarity

whenever it is possible and we will ensure that at appropriate times

both the public and Parliament are kept informed and are able to

consider and properly scrutinise these issues. Thank you, Mr Speaker.

While dedicated and talented staff at the royal Liverpool hospital's

A department struggle to find beds for sick people, around 135 patients

are unable to be discharged solely because of Government cuts to social

care. When will the Government recognise its responsibilities and

not try to blame GPs for a problem of the Government's own making?

There is a pressure on social care. I accept that and recognised this in

this House. That's why the Government's recognised it and put

improved funding through the better care fund and social care

pre-September. Liverpool raced ?8 million and they'll receive ?48

million from the better care fund by 2019/20. This isn't just a question

of money. It is ensuring we have a sustainable social care system for

the future. That's what the Government's working on. Could I

commend by right honourable friend for her remarks yesterday, not least

the constructive terms to the future of the EU in marked difference from

others over the years. Would she confirm that constructive tone will

remain as the best base for getting an agreement between ourselves and

the EU and the default position of no deal will remain a default

position and not the Government's default position? Absolutely. We

want to get that good deal and expect to be able to get that good

deal. It is right that it is through goodwill and a positive approach on

both sides of these negotiations we will achieve that. I'm clear the UK

wants to see a continuing strong European Union of 27 member states.

We want to have a strong, strategic partnership with that Europon and

continue to work bilaterally with individual states. I made this point

to a number of European Union leaders yesterday when I spoke to

them after my speech, we want to approach this in a positive and

optimistic fashion. I believe a deal that is good for the UK, will be a

deal that is good for the European Union. This week, the national

auditor revealed the abject failures in the con accept tricks fiasco

which resulted in thousands of people wrongly denied their tax

credits. This was not one rogue contractors but a system designed by

Government to pursue and chase down claimants for profit. So, does the

Prime Minister agree with the Chief Executive of HMRC that payment by

ruts has no -- results has no mace in our welfare system. Will she

review this model or will she wait for the next scandal to hit

vulnerable people? I recognise many people received a poor service. It

is not the first time this has been highlighted in this chamber this was

not acceptable. I apologise for the poury and stress caused for people.

We have been clear about that service. HMRC will learn the lessons

from that contract. They remain committed to providing a high

quality service. It will not use a private sector service to undertakes

tax or fraud checks again. Further to the question from my honourable

friend, the Prime Minister did yesterday confirm her commitment to

parliamentary democracy. Therefore, I assume she accepts the long

standing convention that the he can he can tiff, the Government, is

continuously accountable to this House for the policies that she is

pursuing. Can she clarify whether or not she intends to make any further

statements of policy intentions to this House and whether she

anticipates this House having an opportunity to vote its approval for

those policies earlier than two years away when the whole

negotiation has been completed? My right honourable friend raises a

matter that not only our honourable friend has raised but others as

well. If I can simply make this point. Yesterday, my right

honourable, the Secretary of State for exiting the European Union came

here and answered questions for two hours. There is a further general

debate on exiting the European Union matters taking place today. There

have been a number of these do Bates already looking at the issues which

are part of the objectives we have set. We will have to consider the

result of the decision of the Supreme Court which may, if it goes

against the Government, require legislation to be brought before

this House. There will be an opportunity in the great wee peat

bill to look at issues around the exiting the I the the EU. We can't

vote on the deal until we know what the deal is. Parliament will have a

vote when we know what that deal is. The Prime Minister's passing

reference to the interests of Spanish fishermen in her speech

yesterday let the cat out of the bag that our fishing opportunities are

already on the table as a bargaining tool before the Brexit negotiations

have even started. What does the Prime Minister want to offer the

Spanish fishermen? I made a very simple point yesterday which is that

negotiation is not just about the UK. There will be others in the

European Union who will be looking for ensheering the deal we get is

good for the UK and for the European Union. I have to say to the

honourable lady, if she thinks continued membership of the common

fishers policy is not the case and one of the things we will vote

against. The people of Stafford shirt and Stoke-on-Trent are being

confronted with the possible loss of emergency services in Stafford or

Burton when our Acute Hospitals are under intense pressure. Would the

Prime Minister agree with me and others that closing A is no way

to deal with increased, real, not imagined, need. I would say to my

honourable friend, the important issue is the level of service

available for people in a local area. That's why the sustainability

and transformation plans being published are taking into account

and are being considered at a local level for local clinicians and local

people to agree what is best in their particular area. Mr Speaker,

last Friday I went to Blackpool Victoria Hospital where the number

of people waiting 12 hours or more in A doubled last year. 100 of

them aged 90 or over. Trust managers said the biggest factor is dig

charging people. Government cuts erodele support for them. Will she

stop waffling about her shared society, listen to her own budget

watchdog saying we'll need ?30 billion from older people in the

next ten years and put that money into local adult care and the NHS?

Well, just looking at the figures for what has happened for health in

his particular area, there are more doctors and significantly more

nurses in his NHS Foundation Trust. I know what the honourable gentleman

is talking about. I'm about to comment on it! But the honourable

lady who is shouting from a sedentary position might have

recognised he started talking about the NHS which is what I'm also

commenting on. THE SPEAKER: Order. I'm not having

an exchange across the dispatch box. Order. The Prime Minister was asked

a question. Order! I require no help from the honourable gentleman which

is of zilch value! The Prime Minister will answer and she will be

heard with courtesy, including by the honourable gentleman. The Prime

Minister The honourable gentleman asked me about pressures on the

national health service. We are sighing more doctors and nurses in

his hospitals Foundation Trust and he health funding in the honourable

gentleman's area will be ?3 billion this year rising with a further 450

million by 2021. In terms of the issue of social care, as I said in

this House before, we are putting extra money into social care, giving

local authorities the opportunity to raise more money and spend it on

social care. This is not just about more money. It is about ensuring

best practise is spread throughout the country. About a long-term

solution to sustainable social care for the future. An issue ducked by

Governments, including a Labour Government for 13 years. On Friday,

the east coast of England faced threat of a tidal surge that

endangered tens of thousands of homes and thousands of lives. A

simple change in the weather meant flooding was averted. Will the Prime

Minister join me in praising the response of the emergency services

planning ahead, involving the army coastguard, the Fire Service and the

ambulance and police to make sure the best possible plans were made

and will she further join with me in making sure the public know these

warnings, in future, should always be taken seriously? My honourable

friend raises an important point. I'm happy to commend the action of

all those in the emergency service, Armed Forces, and local authorities

who worked so hard to make sure this problem, a change in weather took

place, but it is absolutely crucial that when these warnings are given,

people recognise they are given for a very good reason, because there is

a concern about the danger that could take place. The efforts put in

protected tens of thousands of properties. I'm pleased to see the

work we have learned from previous flooding incidents, the work between

emergency services, local services and the Armed Forces was much better

coordinated than perhaps has been in the past. We've been able to learn

from flooding in the past. Mr Speaker, in response to the

honourable member for Broxtow the Prime Minister talked about her

desire to give clarity around our exit of the EU. Many of my

constituency yentas are paying taxes. What assurances can she give

them about their future. Particularly if they change their

employer or are freelancers? What I said yesterday is about the

guaranteeing of rights for EU citizens living here in the UK. I

want to see the rights of UK citizens living in the 27 member

states being given guarantees as well. I encourage others across

Europe to agree this is an issue we should look at at an early stage and

as early a stage as possible in order to give people the confidence

and reassurance she is looking for. ? Supporting my right honourable

gentlemen in social care and the Health Service, can she endorse the

confidence in our hospitals in market towns across the country.

They provide a vital piece of the jigsaw in our NHS such as the

Westminster memorial in stats brie? I'm sure as my honourable friend

says, the Westminster memorial in Shaftesbury is providing good

services for local people. What the structure of the local services

should be is a matter for discussion at local level. It is crucial local

clinicians agree and others agree we have a safe and secure service for

people. They are provided within the NHS services they need at the most

appropriate level. I accept very often we think only of major

District General Hospitals and acute hospitals but the NHS is made up of

different parts. Patients need to be treated at the most appropriate

level for their needs. How can aband onning membership of the customs

union that thaws 68% of Wales' exports, crucially 90% of our food

and drink exports and supports 200,000 jobs cause any other than

calamitous self-harm? What we will be doing is negotiating a free trade

agreement with the European Union to get the best possible access for

trade. We also want to be able to negotiate trade agreements with

other countries around the world. A number of countries have already

expressed interest in doing that. We want to open up, see new export

markets being delivered for businesses here in the UK, including

for the sort of trade that he's talking about in Wales. In the

customs aspect with the European Union, we want to have an

arrangement with them to have as frictionless borders as possible.

Were Prime Minister's Questions comes to an end there.