Source · Select Committees · Welsh Affairs Committee
Recommendation 8
8
Not Addressed
Paragraph: 42
In contrast, a ‘No deal’ scenario would result in tariffs when exporting Welsh goods to...
Conclusion
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.
Government response summary AI-generated
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.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
42
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government · verbatim extract
Not Addressed
On the 24 December the Prime Minister agreed a free trade agreement with the EU. The UK-EU Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA) honours the instruction of the British people—expressed in the 2016 referendum and the 2019 General Election—to take back control of our laws, borders, money, trade and fisheries. The Agreement ensures tariff free and quota free access to the EU market for Welsh businesses. Since the TCA was signed, the Secretary of State for Wales has continued engagement with Welsh businesses to get feedback from them on their first hand experiences of the new trading arrangements with the EU. Furthermore, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster met Welsh business people on 4 February—as part of the Brexit Business Taskforce series of meetings—to identify challenges facing traders in Wales and find solutions to outstanding issues. The Government believes the TCA is generally working well. The majority of Welsh firms are trading with the EU much as they have always done. There are however a number of teething problems in specific import/export sectors which the Government is committed to resolving, both by engaging with business to help familiarisation with the new trading arrangements and engaging with the EU to iron out difficulties in specific areas.
Read the full response on Parliament ↗