Kevin Hollinrake was asked whether he believed Brexit had been beneficial for small business owners.
Mr Hollinrake, the small businesses minister, replied: “Some. For some businesses, yes, because they can now trade with other parts of the world more easily, with things like the Australia trade deal, New Zealand, the one coming up with the Pacific countries, the Gulf and India.
“There is no doubt that for some businesses it is more difficult to trade with the European Union, there is no doubt that is the case, and we’re seeking to ease those frictions.”
He added: “For some businesses, particularly in the food and drink sector, particularly SMEs, they find it more difficult to trade with the European Union. That’s the reality. We have sought to ease those frictions, of course, and we want to ease them further, and the Prime Minister’s negotiation on the Windsor Framework helped with that to a large degree, particularly within the United Kingdom in terms of Northern Ireland.
“But yes it is more difficult today. But the vote for Brexit was a vote for change, and we have to try to ease those frictions. But let’s not forget, only 10 per cent of British companies export at all… and 73 per cent of our exports are not goods with the European Union, they are services and goods to the rest of the world.
“Easy on the sidelines, Keir Starmer saying we’ll get a better deal with the European Union. At what price? At what price?”
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
