Giles Watling, MP for Clacton, has questioned Ministers from the Department for Exiting the European Union on the steps the Government are taking to plan for a no deal Brexit, and the trade and security relationships with Europe following Brexit.
Question One
Giles Watling
"What contingency plans his Department is making in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal."
Chris Heaton-Harris
"We have made significant progress in negotiations and are confident that we will secure a deal with the European Union. However, as a responsible Government, we are continuing to prepare for all possible outcomes."
Giles Watling
"If, in the end, there is no deal, can my hon. Friend assure me that the Government’s contingency plans will take into account often overlooked areas, such as Clacton?"
Chris Heaton-Harris
"Clacton, Mr Speaker, is never overlooked by its Member of Parliament.
"The Government are engaging with businesses and other stakeholders in every region of the United Kingdom in order to understand the challenges and opportunities that may have an impact on them. Later this year we will consult on the new UK shared prosperity fund, which will give us an opportunity to consider carefully how we should address barriers to growth and tackle inequalities faced by all parts of the country, including rural and coastal areas such as my hon. Friend’s Clacton constituency."
Watch question one here.
Question Two
Giles Watling
"As we strike out into this brave new world of global trade post Brexit, can my right hon. Friend reassure me that, whatever the result of the negotiations, this Government will redouble their effort to retain cordial relationships with Europe on both trade and security?"
Dominic Raab
"My hon. Friend is absolutely right; that is what the White Paper sets out. This is about maintaining a strong trading relationship with our EU friends; broadening our opportunity to trade more energetically, with a bit more vim and vigour, with the growth markets of the globe, from Asia to Latin America; and, of course, in those vital other areas of co-operation, including security, making sure that we retain those strong ties."
Watch question one here.