Question
The Prime Minister and his Cabinet rightly point to Brexit as a major reason for the UK’s doom loop of low economic growth, and in two and a half weeks’ time, the Government will have an opportunity to do something about it. Rather than just discussing a timid UK-EU youth mobility scheme that should have been agreed months ago, will they start negotiations for a new growth and defence partnership as the only surefire way to put money back in people’s pockets and make the UK stronger, safer and more prosperous?
Answer
We have “been there, done that” on defence. At the EU summit later this month, we are faced with the chance to add billions to our economy and help with prices, with a new deal on food, drinks and farming. It is a chance to reinforce the collaboration on illegal immigration that will help to tackle the small boat smuggling gangs, and it is a recognition that the Brexit deal done by the Conservatives has just not been good for Britain. The Conservative party is opposing all the steps we are taking to improve Britain’s business trading, while we look for practical benefits to make it better.33% point-scoring 17% vibes
Verdict: RED (20/100)
The reply does not say whether negotiations on a growth and defence partnership will begin. Its only defence reference is a dismissive phrase that neither confirms nor rules out talks. The growth material it does give concerns a food, drink and farming deal, which is not the partnership the question asked about. The answer is therefore largely hedged, and the person who asked would likely need to submit a follow-up to get a clear response.
How we got there
| Question item | Coverage | Specificity | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Will the Government start negotiations on a new growth and defence partnership with the EU? | Partially Addressed | Hedged | The reply never states whether negotiations on a growth and defence partnership will start. The only defence reference, "been there, done that", is a dismissive phrase that does not clearly decline or commit, and the growth material concerns a food, drink and farming deal at the summit rather than a new partnership framework. |