News / Isles MP on Brexit committee
NORTHERN Isles MP Alistair Carmichael has been appointed to a new select committee overseeing the UK’s impending departure from the European Union.
The committee, set up to scrutinise the government as it negotiates to leave the EU, is due to meet for the first time on Wednesday.
Speaking in the House of Commons on Tuesday, Carmichael challenged the business secretary Greg Clark on the impact Brexit will have on exports from small businesses which will be unable to secure government deals in the way car manufacturing giant Nissan did.
“The secretary of state deserves credit for a significant and substantial achievement,” he said, “but special deals for the car industry or the financial services sector offer little comfort to the thousands of small businesses the length and breadth of this country that depend on exports for their livelihood.”
Clark responded that he was aware of the challenges and would continue to engage with local chambers of commerce to ensure small businesses are represented.
Carmichael, who campaigned to remain within the EU during June’s referendum campaign, said afterwards: “Brexit will throw up considerable challenges for our economy over the months and years ahead.
“Ministers across all departments will have to work with businesses to ensure investment continues throughout the Brexit process.”
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