To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what steps he is taking to ensure that businesses in the North East have the ability to (a) export and (b) trade with the EU in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal.

The Political Declaration sets out a plan for a free trade area for goods, including no tariffs, with ambitious customs arrangements. However, as a responsible government, we are planning for all scenarios.

We are supporting trader readiness through 106 technical notices, communications from HMRC to businesses, and the cross-government Partnership Pack. The Border Delivery Group and Border Force have also visited key locations in the North East to discuss no deal planning.