Exiting the European Union

Proposed that local breweries in Burton-on-Trent should brew a celebratory Brexit beer to mark the occasion.

Suggested commemorating the day of constitutional importance annually as an anniversary.

Emphasised that 31 January is significant for Eurosceptics across Europe and advocated for public celebrations to signal life outside the EU.

Asked if the Government’s plans include abolishing the Department for Exiting the European Union after exit day, questioning which Minister will take responsibility for negotiations.

Noted concerns raised by the President of the European Commission regarding free movement of labour impacting trade agreements post-Brexit.

Asked if Big Ben will chime to mark 11 pm on January 31, expressing concern that it may not be a moment of celebration for many.

Urged the Government to adopt a careful tone and inquired about measures for non-UK EU nationals who feel vulnerable post-Brexit.

Suggested flying Union flags from public buildings as a tribute to the decision made by British people to leave the European Union.

Asked how Brexit can be depicted without appearing insular or nationalistic, suggesting signing up for refugee resettlement schemes as a way to counter this perception.

Since October, the withdrawal agreement Bill has undergone major changes, including the stripping out of previous commitments to workers’ rights. Will the Secretary of State publish a revised impact assessment so that he can be honest with the public about what his Government have in store for them with their hard Brexit plan?

So far, the Prime Minister has taken workplace rights out of the withdrawal agreement in October and the withdrawal agreement Bill in December. What confidence can we have that workplace rights will be protected under this Government?

Does the Secretary of State agree that, contrary to what the hon. Member for Bedford (Mohammad Yasin) said, we need dynamic alignment like a hole in the head? The purpose of Brexit is to enable us to make our own laws and rules, set our own taxes and chart our own course.

I thank the Secretary of State for his answer on dynamic alignment. As his Department winds up, I thank him personally for leading it with such professionalism, and I thank his team at DExEU. On dynamic alignment, I ask my right hon. Friend to reflect on the fact that the Brexit vote was about this House being sovereign.

Will the Secretary of State give an absolute guarantee that post Brexit, under a Conservative Government, there will never be a point at which workers in the EU27 enjoy stronger employment rights than they do here? A Government genuinely committed to workers’ rights would have given a straight yes to that question, but the Secretary of State did not.

What recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on maintaining environmental standards after the UK leaves the EU. It is vital that we not only maintain but enhance our environmental protections, and that we enhance our natural environment.

What recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on maintaining environmental standards after the UK leaves the EU. The United Kingdom has some of the highest food standards, so will my right hon. Friend confirm that Her Majesty’s Government will not allow substandard agricultural or food imports after the UK leaves the EU.

The Secretary of State will know that the EU’s groundbreaking European green deal includes many policies with which UK alignment will be straightforward. Others will be more challenging. For example, the circular economy action plan will seek to change business models and set minimum standards for producers.

Whether the UK will be required to comply with (a) EU law and (b) rulings of the European Court of Justice after the UK leaves the EU.

Emphasised that her constituency and coastal areas voted to take back control of fishing laws post-Brexit, stressing its importance.

Asked about the ECJ's role in determining issues arising under the withdrawal agreement, concerned about disputes resolution mechanism.

Acknowledged that his constituents voted for Brexit to take back control of laws and be free from Brussels’ influence.

Asked about discussions on the effect of UK leaving EU on NHS, highlighted concerns over continued flow of medicines post-Brexit.

Critiqued anti-immigrant rhetoric, pointed out a decline in EU nurses and questioned the Prime Minister's commitment to NHS funding promises.

Asked about additional funding for NHS post-Brexit, welcomed new funding assurances.

Inquired about discussions on EU spouse fees and raised concerns over application costs preventing long-term residents from applying for citizenship.

Expressed moral objection to high fees charged to EU citizens who wish to remain in the UK post-Brexit.

Asked about comparability of EU27 settlement schemes with those of the UK, highlighted importance of mutual agreements on fees and charges.

Inquired about intentions to equalise immigration fees for European and Commonwealth partners to ensure fairness.

Sought assurance on no charge for EU citizens applying for settled status in the UK post-Brexit.

Asked about discussions with Cabinet colleagues on protecting rights of EU citizens and expressed concerns over future Windrush-like situations.

The fact that 3.5 million EU citizens see the best future for themselves and their families as to remain living and working in post-Brexit Britain is a huge endorsement of our post-Brexit prospects, according to him.

He urged Members on both sides of the House to support Third Reading of the withdrawal agreement Bill because it safeguards the rights of EU citizens and UK citizens in Europe. He also discussed ongoing conversations with ministerial colleagues on exiting the European Union, including agricultural policy.

She questioned how the Secretary of State believed that refusing to provide paper proof of status, rejecting Labour’s proposal for automatic status, and granting pre-settled status to people who have been here legally felt valued and welcome.

He inquired about discussions with Cabinet colleagues on potential opportunities for farmers and the agricultural sector after Brexit, as well as assurance that future free trade agreements would only allow tariff-free imports from producers observing high standards.

He congratulated Steve Barclay on his service and urged him to liaise closely with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to ensure an excellent deal for hill farmers.

She expressed concerns about the lack of trust from farmers regarding government assurances and requested specific measures to ensure no lowering of standards in future trade deals.

He sought assurance that his departmental and Cabinet colleagues were aware of the importance of the agri-food sector in Northern Ireland and would minimise threats while maximising opportunities as they left the EU.

He highlighted the importance of the food and drink sector to Scotland's economy, particularly in relation to Scottish whisky and salmon.

He emphasised that a no-deal crash-out would be disastrous for both sectors and stressed the need for statutory roles for the Scottish Government in future relationships with the EU and trade deals negotiated by the UK.

He asked whether the Government would introduce any changes to the seasonal agricultural workers scheme after the UK leaves the EU, given the importance of such workers for farmers in his constituency.

He expressed concerns about Welsh hill farmers being among the most exposed if there was a no-deal Brexit at the end of the year, urging the Secretary of State to ensure that any deal signed off on would guarantee tariff-free access for lamb into the European Union.

Asked about recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on fishing and marine policy after the UK leaves the EU.

Welcomed Karl McCartney back to his place and confirmed ongoing discussions with ministerial colleagues on all aspects of exiting the European Union, including fisheries and marine policy. Emphasised a 100% confidence in leaving the common fisheries policy and gaining full control over fishing areas and quotas.

Asked about the Secretary of State's agreement on close working between UK authorities and their continental equivalents, suggesting that discussions between tax authorities in the UK and France on customs processes should start.

Thanked Steve Barclay for his kind words but expressed disappointment over the Government's decision regarding unaccompanied child refugees. Urged reconsideration of this issue, highlighting moral concerns.

Asked about specific attention to under-10 metre fishing boats in post-Brexit Britain, emphasising their importance for sustainable fishing practices.

Commended Sally-Ann Hart on her election and confirmed special attention would be given to the 10-metre fleet under a domestic fisheries policy that promotes traditional practices for stock protection.

Asked about discussions regarding impacts of Brexit, specifically a hard no-deal scenario, on the movement of UK performing arts between here and Europe.

Congratulated Steve Barclay on ensuring that this Government will deliver on the verdict and the will of the British people to leave the EU on 31 January. Noted with the closure of DExEU, there would be a celebration of the hard work done by officials.

Asked whether EU citizens who work in the UK post-Brexit will be liable for the immigration health surcharge, and if similar charges will be introduced for UK citizens living in the EU.

Guaranteed to all EU citizens in the UK that their rights are protected under the withdrawal agreement Bill, including healthcare rights. Called on the Labour MP to support the Bill at Third Reading.

Asked if the UK will remain an open place for EU citizens to study and whether Britain continues leading in higher education quality.

Confirmed that the Government aims to attract students from the EU and globally, citing traditions of attracting talented individuals. Mentioned support for civil servants during oral questions.

Asked for assurance that the European Union Aviation Safety Agency will continue as is post-Brexit, allowing Airbus to plan ahead without regulatory divergence.

Sought steps from HM Government to ensure a fair price for farmers by redressing the imbalance in food supply chain prices following Brexit.