Source · Select Committees · Welsh Affairs Committee
Recommendation 10
10
Not Addressed
Should there be a deal then we urge the UK Government to continue working with...
Recommendation
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
Government response summary AI-generated
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.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
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 ↗