In the House of Commons, Damian Green wanted assurance that if the trade deal does not happen with EU before 31 December, the Government will do everything in their power to avoid disruption to the local economy in his constituency.

Question asked by MP Damian Green (Ashford)

“I am sure that like me, my Rt. Hon. Friend (Jacob Rees-Mogg) wants to see the UK sign a trade deal with the EU before 31 December. He will be aware that if that does not happen, the disruption threatened to my constituency and large parts of east Kent will be huge, and disastrous for the local economy. Will he guarantee that the Government will not only keep this House updated regularly on the progress of the negotiations but do everything in their power to avoid the terrible disruption that would come with a disorderly end to the negotiations?”

Answered by Jacob Rees-Mogg (North East Somerset)

“The negotiations between the Government and the European Union on our future relationship continue, but we did get a deal back in January, and that is the basis for now going on to a future relationship. However, I assure him and his Kentish constituents that planning for the end of the transition period is well underway to ensure that we are ready to seize the opportunities of being outside the single market and the customs union. I am happy to say that our negotiators are working valiantly with their European counterparts to reach a deal on our future relationship, but whatever the outcome of the negotiations, we will be leaving the single market and customs union at the end of the year and plans are being made for that.”