Hansard yesterday.
EU Single Market Access: Manufacturing and the Economy
Alison Thewliss (Glasgow Central) (SNP)
Figures released this morning by the Office for National Statistics show that GDP was flat in quarter four, growth is at one of its slowest rates since the financial crisis, the service sector is stagnating, and manufacturing has been particularly hard hit. When will the Chancellor accept the reality that these Tory Brexit plans are playing havoc with the economy, and damaging the wellbeing and prospects of all our constituents?
Sajid Javid
The hon. Lady will know that growth would have been hit by the uncertainty created in this Parliament before the general election. Since the general election, confidence is back because this country has said no to Marxism and has got on with Brexit.
Alison Thewliss
The Chancellor puts forward a ridiculous prospect of the choices facing this country, because
Brexit is the real and present danger for the economy. Just-in-time manufacturing is a critical part of the economy. Elizabeth de Jong of the Freight Transport Association has said of the revelation that the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster’s smart border will not be ready until 2025: “Frictionless trade has been kicked to the touchline… It’s going to be really costly for business.” Can the Chancellor tell me what impact four years of
Brexit chaos at the border will have on the UK economy and jobs in manufacturing in all our constituencies?
Sajid Javid
The hon. Lady talks about the importance of manufacturing. Since the change in Government in 2010, we have seen 58% growth in auto manufacturing and 22% growth in aerospace manufacturing.
Me: has anyone got any idea where he gets 58% from? And why he didn't mention the slump since the referendum?