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Written question asked by Nigel Evans (Conservative) on Thursday, 26 October 2017, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 30 October 2017. It was answered by Robin Walker (Conservative) on Thursday, 2 November 2017 on behalf of the Department for Exiting the European Union.

Perishable Goods: UK Trade with EU

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what discussions he has had with the European Commission on the importation of perishable goods from EU member states after the UK leaves the EU.

Answer

The UK is a major market for EU goods, including food and drink. In 2016, the UK imported £242 billion of goods from EU Member States. This reinforces the value of a deep and special economic partnership between the UK and the EU.

The Government’s position paper Continuity in the availability of goods for the EU and the UK (21 August 2017) sets out proposals designed to avoid disruption for businesses and consumers in regard the availability of goods, including imports, as the UK leaves the EU. Over recent months, we have held constructive discussions with the European Commission on these specific issues.

The paper also emphasises the UK’s ambitions for a future partnership with the EU that secures the freest and most frictionless trade possible in goods and services. The terms of our trading relationship with the EU after we leave are a matter for the negotiations on our future relationship, however we are confident that a future partnership between the UK and the EU is in the interest of both sides, so we approach the negotiations anticipating success.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
109974
Session
2017-19
Grouped for answer
Yes
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Imports UK trade with EU Perishable goods
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk