Recommendations & Conclusions
13 items
3
Recommendation
5th Report: Brexit and trade: implicati…
Not Addressed
We expect DIT to finalise governance arrangements by agreeing on a concordat by January 2021 and recommend that other UK government departments consider using this as a model for strengthening their relationships with the devolved administrations.
Government response AI summary
The government response details engagement and webinar events conducted by the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales, which does not address the recommendation for DIT to finalise governance arrangements or a concordat by January 2021.
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Wales Office
5
Conclusion
5th Report: Brexit and trade: implicati…
Not Addressed
While we note that the UK Government has launched an extensive information campaign to warn businesses of the need to prepare for new trading arrangements with the EU, we remain concerned that many Welsh businesses have either waited to see whether a deal was reached before beginning to make their …
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While we note that the UK Government has launched an extensive information campaign to warn businesses of the need to prepare for new trading arrangements with the EU, we remain concerned that many Welsh businesses have either waited to see whether a deal was reached before beginning to make their preparations, or are unaware of the fact that even with a deal such preparations are essential.
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Government response AI summary
The government's response details funding and plans for new border infrastructure and inland facilities in Wales to meet future control requirements, but does not address the Committee's concern about Welsh businesses' awareness or preparedness for new trading arrangements.
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Wales Office
7
Conclusion
5th Report: Brexit and trade: implicati…
Not Addressed
The EU is the main international export market for Welsh goods and agricultural produce, with a higher proportion of goods from Wales exported to and imported from the EU compared to the rest of UK. Securing a trade deal with the EU is therefore of particular importance for the Welsh …
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The EU is the main international export market for Welsh goods and agricultural produce, with a higher proportion of goods from Wales exported to and imported from the EU compared to the rest of UK. Securing a trade deal with the EU is therefore of particular importance for the Welsh economy. A zero tariffs, zero quotas arrangement is of much greater benefit to the Welsh economy than trading on purely WTO terms. It would remove the immediate threat of damaging tariffs and could lay a strong foundation for businesses in Wales to have a close post-Brexit trade relationship with the EU. More than four years after the referendum, during which time businesses have faced considerable uncertainty and many have delayed 40 Brexit and trade: implications for Wales long term planning and investment decisions, we hope that a deal will create a stronger investment climate in Wales and unlock important, and much needed, growth decisions.
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Government response AI summary
The government's response did not address the committee's observations about the importance of a zero-tariffs, zero-quotas trade deal with the EU for the Welsh economy, instead focusing on the Border Operating Model and inland border facilities.
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Wales Office
8
Conclusion
5th Report: Brexit and trade: implicati…
Not Addressed
In contrast, a ‘No deal’ scenario would result in tariffs when exporting Welsh goods to the EU. This could have a more negative effect on key sectors of the Welsh economy compared to the rest of the UK. We are deeply concerned about the impact of a no-deal scenario on …
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In contrast, a ‘No deal’ scenario would result in tariffs when exporting Welsh goods to the EU. This could have a more negative effect on key sectors of the Welsh economy compared to the rest of the UK. We are deeply concerned about the impact of a no-deal scenario on industries in Wales that are heavily reliant on exports to the EU such as manufacturing, agriculture and services. We do not accept that a no- deal would be a ‘good outcome’ for Wales and that a so-called ‘Australian style deal’ is almost as good as the deal the UK is trying to strike with the EU.
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Government response AI summary
The government's response describes campaigns and support initiatives for Welsh businesses adapting to new trading arrangements post-transition period, but does not directly address the committee's stated concerns about the impact of a hypothetical 'no-deal' scenario on the Welsh economy.
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Wales Office
10
Recommendation
5th Report: Brexit and trade: implicati…
Not Addressed
Should there be a deal then we urge the UK Government to continue working with the EU and business groups in 2021 to explore how non-tariff barriers and additional burdens and costs can be minimised for Welsh producers. For example, we are concerned about the implications of new processes and …
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Should there be a deal then we urge the UK Government to continue working with the EU and business groups in 2021 to explore how non-tariff barriers and additional burdens and costs can be minimised for Welsh producers. For example, we are concerned about the implications of new processes and checks for just in time supply chains. In the event that a deal cannot be struck then we call on the UK Government to write to us with evidence of preparations and proposals to mitigate any specific risks to the Welsh economy as a result of trading with the EU on WTO terms. (Paragraph 44) Customs arrangements and ports of entry post-transition phase
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Government response AI summary
The government states it does not plan to publish Wales-specific impact assessments for trade agreements, referring to broader UK assessments, but does not address the recommendation to work on minimising non-tariff barriers or provide mitigation proposals for a no-deal scenario.
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Wales Office
11
Conclusion
5th Report: Brexit and trade: implicati…
Not Addressed
We welcome the phased approach of the Border Operating Model, however we are concerned about the readiness of Welsh ports, and availability of infrastructure and capacity at or near ports, to deal with new customs processes from January 2021. We are particularly concerned about the potential for delays at the …
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We welcome the phased approach of the Border Operating Model, however we are concerned about the readiness of Welsh ports, and availability of infrastructure and capacity at or near ports, to deal with new customs processes from January 2021. We are particularly concerned about the potential for delays at the Port of Holyhead. Any delays at ports could have a significant impact on the flow of goods. We are particularly worried that the required infrastructure to conduct border checks is not yet up and running, given the very limited time remaining before the end of the transition period.
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Government response AI summary
The government's response focuses on promoting Welsh produce and securing new market access through FTAs, but does not address the committee's concerns about the readiness of Welsh ports, infrastructure capacity, or potential delays at Holyhead for new customs processes.
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Wales Office
12
Recommendation
5th Report: Brexit and trade: implicati…
Not Addressed
The readiness of Welsh and UK ports for trade with the EU after the transition phase is a major undertaking. The UK Government needs to provide reassurances that digital and physical infrastructure will be up and running in time and that sufficient physical capacity at or near ports will be …
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The readiness of Welsh and UK ports for trade with the EU after the transition phase is a major undertaking. The UK Government needs to provide reassurances that digital and physical infrastructure will be up and running in time and that sufficient physical capacity at or near ports will be available before July 2021.
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Government response AI summary
The government's response discusses ongoing trade talks with the US and efforts to facilitate lamb exports, completely failing to address the recommendation regarding the readiness of Welsh and UK ports for trade with the EU.
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Wales Office
13
Conclusion
5th Report: Brexit and trade: implicati…
Not Addressed
We welcome the level of engagement between Welsh ports, HMRC and the Border Protocol Delivery Group. However, whether a deal is secured with the EU or not, we must accept that there will be friction at the borders. Congestion and delays at Welsh ports could have significant costs for the …
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We welcome the level of engagement between Welsh ports, HMRC and the Border Protocol Delivery Group. However, whether a deal is secured with the EU or not, we must accept that there will be friction at the borders. Congestion and delays at Welsh ports could have significant costs for the port operators and businesses and major implications for logistics chains.
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Government response AI summary
The government's response discusses the Trade and Agriculture Commission and its engagement with Welsh agricultural stakeholders, failing to address the committee's observation about potential congestion and delays at Welsh ports and implications for logistics chains.
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Wales Office
14
Recommendation
5th Report: Brexit and trade: implicati…
Not Addressed
The UK Government must redouble its efforts to work with business and port operators to provide confidence that the necessary systems and infrastructure will be in place, fully tested and functioning well in advance of July 2021. The UK Government should Brexit and trade: implications for Wales 41 also maintain …
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The UK Government must redouble its efforts to work with business and port operators to provide confidence that the necessary systems and infrastructure will be in place, fully tested and functioning well in advance of July 2021. The UK Government should Brexit and trade: implications for Wales 41 also maintain an ongoing dialogue with the EU, post January 2021, to monitor the impact of new processes and, where possible, work to ensure as frictionless trade as possible.
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Government response AI summary
The government's response discusses maintaining food safety standards and national sovereignty in trade agreements, but does not address the recommendation to redouble efforts on border infrastructure readiness or maintain ongoing dialogue with the EU.
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Wales Office
26
Conclusion
5th Report: Brexit and trade: implicati…
Not Addressed
We welcome the signing of the UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, the UK’s first free trade agreement as an independent trading nation. For decades Japanese firms have played a significant role in the Welsh economy and Japan is an important trading partner for the whole UK. We welcome the level …
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We welcome the signing of the UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, the UK’s first free trade agreement as an independent trading nation. For decades Japanese firms have played a significant role in the Welsh economy and Japan is an important trading partner for the whole UK. We welcome the level of consultation between the UK and Welsh Governments during the progress of the negotiations.
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Government response AI summary
The government provided a generic introductory statement acknowledging the report and thanking the Committee, but did not specifically address the Committee's welcome of the UK-Japan trade agreement or the level of consultation.
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Wales Office
27
Recommendation
5th Report: Brexit and trade: implicati…
Not Addressed
We urge the UK Government to maintain, and build upon, this approach as it negotiates further FTAs. (Paragraph 114) Brexit and trade: implications for Wales 43
Government response AI summary
The government provides a general opening statement acknowledging the report and stating it has considered the recommendations, but this response does not address the specific recommendation to maintain and build upon an approach for future FTAs.
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Wales Office
28
Conclusion
5th Report: Brexit and trade: implicati…
Not Addressed
The official recognition of 15 Welsh products through protected geographical indicators in the UK-Japan FTA reinforces the importance of the agreement to Wales and will encourage further growth in Welsh agricultural exports to Japan.
Government response AI summary
The government's response was a boilerplate acknowledgement of the committee's report and did not address the specific conclusion about the positive impact of protected geographical indicators for Welsh products in the UK-Japan FTA.
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Wales Office
29
Conclusion
5th Report: Brexit and trade: implicati…
Not Addressed
We note the progress of trade negotiations with the USA. However, it is unclear what the change in administration will mean for the continued progress of these negotiations.
Government response AI summary
The government provided a general introductory statement for the report response and did not address the committee's specific observation about US trade negotiations.
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Wales Office