9/12/20
This morning, at their invitation, I attended the virtual AGM of the Halton Chamber of Commerce and had a discussion with local business owners and leaders regarding the current situation and the future. I firmly believe in supporting our local businesses, I will continue to make representations on their behalf and have high hopes for the future, as Halton has an innovative and agile business community.
For a number of years I have been Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group of the Falkland Islands, the purpose of the group is to support the Falkland Islanders’ right to self-determination, maintain a strong link between Parliament and the Falkland Islands, and support the Falkland Islands and their economic development.
This afternoon I was selected to ask a question at Prime Minister’s Questions, members of the Falkland Islands Legislative Assembly approached me to ask a question on their behalf. They believe, at this late stage, the only way to avoid tariffs being imposed on their exports to the EU from 01 January, is if the Prime Minister makes a personal intervention, outside of the main negotiations, on their behalf. The Falkland Islands face the prospect of their fisheries exports to the EU being subject to tariffs of between 6 and 18 per cent from 01 January 2021. Given that fisheries exports to the EU account for over 40 per cent of the Islands GDP and up to 60 per cent of their government’s revenue; this poses a serious challenge to the Falkland Islands.
I am proud to support the Falkland Islands and asked the Prime Minister to intervene. You can watch the exchange on the below video link.
