Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Global Britain

03 February 2020 · 38 other contributors

Opened by Dominic Raab Con Arundel and South Downs

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

At a glance

Dominic Raab raised concerns about global britain in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The United Kingdom left the European Union on January 31, 2020.
  • The Government aims to seek a free trade agreement with the EU and trade deals with other countries worldwide.
  • A review of the UK's global role is planned to ensure an integrated approach in defence, diplomacy, and development.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Dominic Raab Con Arundel and South Downs

The United Kingdom left the European Union on January 31, marking a new beginning. The Government will seek a free trade agreement with the EU based on other recent agreements such as that between the EU and Canada, while also seeking trade deals with other countries around the world. A thorough review of the UK's place in the world is planned to ensure an integrated approach in defence, diplomacy, and development.

Other contributors (38)
  • Pete Wishart SNP Perth and Kinross-shire

    Asked if Dominic Cummings wrote the statement, implying skepticism or criticism of its content.

  • Dominic Raab Con Arundel and South Downs

    Responded to Pete Wishart's question by stating that it is what Scottish people voted for, indicating a defence of the Government’s stance on Brexit despite criticism from SNP members.

  • Paul Blomfield Lab Sheffield Central

    The Foreign Secretary is correct that the last three years have been difficult and divisive, but leaving the EU does not mark an ending. The next stage of negotiations will be more challenging, and there is a central dilemma about whether economic interests or ideological commitment to breaking with the European social model will dictate the new relationship. He criticises the Government for stripping Parliament's role in accountability from the withdrawal agreement Act and calls for transparency in negotiations. Blomfield expresses concern over a potential trade deal with Donald Trump and its impact on farming, manufacturing, and public services. He questions the Government's analysis about the economic impacts of different deals and emphasises Labour’s commitment to common regulation and internationalist values.

  • Dominic Raab Con Esher and Walton

    Defends the importance of moving beyond referendum divisions, criticising Labour for not addressing these issues adequately. Acknowledges parliamentary scrutiny and engagement with devolved nations but argues that there is a democratic will to respect the Brexit decision. Responds to concerns about free trade agreements, particularly with the US, stating explicitly that NHS terms are off the table during negotiations. Raab questions whether Blomfield opposes FTAs in general and points out positive business sentiment indicators, expressing confidence in post-Brexit opportunities.

  • Theresa May Con Maidenhead

    Questions about internal security agreements for future UK-EU relations, seeking clarity on intentions regarding instruments such as PNR and the Prüm convention. Enquires about deadlines for agreement operationalisation by 1 January 2021.

  • Dominic Raab Con Esher and Walton

    Pays tribute to Theresa May’s work in this area, pointing towards details in the Prime Minister's written statement. Acknowledges difficulties with EU’s access conditions but affirms commitment to ending free movement while maintaining data sharing and law enforcement cooperation.

  • Stewart Hosie SNP Dundee East

    Disagrees with the Secretary of State's optimism about global opportunities, citing potential risks that make UK more insular. Criticises Prime Minister’s statement on no regulatory alignment and supranational control in any area, questioning the feasibility of rejecting formal dispute resolution mechanisms in future trade deals.

  • Thomas Tugendhat Con Tonbridge

    Compliments the Prime Minister's handling of the Iran emergency and suggests looking at growing immediate bilateral partnerships, highlighting the effectiveness of E3 cooperation outside EU formal structures.

  • Hilary Benn Lab Leeds South

    Asks for clarity on which Department and Minister will take responsibility for negotiations with the EU following the closure of the Department for Exiting the European Union.

  • Iain Duncan Smith Con Chingford and Woodford Green

    Congratulates Raab on his statement and asks about the Government's position regarding enhanced equivalence in financial services regulation as suggested by Barnabas Reynolds' paper.

  • Asks who will be leading negotiations, to which Dominic Raab clarifies that David Frost is leading them and discusses regulatory co-operation on the basis of equivalence in financial services.

  • Kevin Brennan Lab Cardiff West

    Requests assurance regarding efforts made for securing the release of his constituent Luke Symons, held captive by the Houthis in Sana’a.

  • Andrew Rosindell Con Romford

    Seeks a guarantee that Gibraltar's territorial sovereignty will not be part of any negotiations and asks for benefits for overseas territories and Crown dependencies in future free trade agreements.

  • Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland

    Questions the concept of a global Britain having respect for human rights and international rules-based order, asking Raab to reconsider support for President Trump's peace plan for Palestine.

  • Harriett Baldwin Con West Worcestershire

    Asks about structured withdrawal of equivalence for financial services as mentioned in the written ministerial statement and who would arbitrate on that issue.

  • Ben Bradshaw Lab Exeter

    Questions the change in Government stance regarding economic damage estimates associated with different trade deals, including Canada-style FTA or no deal scenarios.

  • Paul Holmes Con Hambleton

    Requests reassurance for businesses and manufacturers that free trade will be prioritised as the backbone of British foreign policy in light of growing global protectionism.

  • Dominic Raab Con Dover

    Emphasised the UK's commitment to global free trade, highlighting its unique selling point in championing liberal and open trade policies. He also addressed concerns regarding COP26, fisheries rights post-Brexit, industrial engagement for future negotiations, and the EU-UK relationship, including data protection agreements.

  • Rachel Reeves Lab Leeds West

    Expressed concern over the current state of preparation for COP26, questioning why the Prime Minister has failed to chair a single meeting of the climate Cabinet Committee and highlighting the dismissal of the conference president. She urged for clear actions demonstrating leadership in tackling climate change.

  • Simon Hoare Con North Dorset

    Asked about the commitment to maintaining core values such as freedom of speech, a free press, an independent judiciary, and addressing issues like modern slavery and international crimes in all UK actions going forward.

  • Caroline Lucas Green Brighton Pavilion

    Challenged the Foreign Secretary to prove Britain's commitment to tackling climate change by committing to match EU proposals on carbon border tariffs and trade deals with Paris agreement signatories. She called for concrete action beyond rhetoric.

  • Sheryll Murray Con Rochford and Southend East

    Asked about the UK's priority over fish stocks within its 200-mile limit post-Brexit, seeking reassurance that fishing rights would be protected for UK fishermen.

  • Jack Dromey Lab Birmingham Erdington

    Expressed serious concern from various industrial organisations about the risk of job losses if negotiations with the EU were mishandled. He urged full engagement with these organisations and unions to mitigate potential negative impacts.

  • John Redwood Con Wokingham

    Congratulated the Foreign Secretary on his statement regarding not giving away fish quotas again or accepting all EU laws in return for a free trade agreement. He supported a no-concessions approach to negotiations.

  • Patricia Gibson SNP North Ayrshire and Arran

    Inquired about the resolution of potential conflicts arising from diverging from EU standards to secure a US trade deal, particularly in relation to Northern Ireland and its peace agreement. She sought clarity on how these situations would be handled.

  • Edward Leigh Con Gainsborough

    Pressed the Foreign Secretary for clear assurances that there would be no role for the European Court of Justice, acceptance of EU rules, or weakening in resolve to impose tariffs if necessary during negotiations. He echoed a previous Prime Minister's stance with “No. No. No.”

  • Stephen Kinnock Lab Aberavon

    Questioned the Foreign Secretary on claims about Canada-style free trade agreements and level-playing-field obligations, referencing specific clauses in EU-Canada FTAs to highlight potential discrepancies.

  • Richard Graham Con Gloucester

    Asked for confirmation that data protection agreements would be vital for security issues and service export interests post-Brexit, noting the current considerable service surplus with the EU. He emphasised the importance of maintaining this position.

  • Geraint Davies Lab Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire

    Expressed concerns about the operational dysfunctionality of the WTO's dispute resolution system due to US refusal to appoint appellant judges, warning that drifting away from EU protections could risk jobs and financial services stability. He urged for alignment with functioning systems.

  • Dominic Raab Con Nottingham East

    Emphasises the need for WTO reform but argues against legislative alignment with the EU, highlights the importance of a competitive fiscal regulatory approach to encourage tech investment, and stresses the collaborative international approach in free trade agreements. Also discusses the importance of financial services in UK economy and the role of devolved Administrations in negotiations.

  • Greg Clark Con North East Bedfordshire

    Asks how British scientists can continue to operate in international, global and European networks given the context of Brexit.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Proposes sensible deals such as lowering tariffs for bourbon from the US to facilitate lower whisky tariffs for UK distilleries including his own Echlinville Distillery in Kircubbin, Strangford.

  • Tobias Ellwood Con Bournemouth East

    Welcomes the Foreign Secretary's determination to see Britain play a more influential role on the international stage and asks for confirmation that the security review will prove an inflection point in determining impact of growing threats.

  • Pat McFadden Lab Wolverhampton South East

    Asks when the EU reached a trade agreement with Australia.

  • Vicky Ford Con South Norfolk

    Points out that 10p in every pound spent by Government comes from financial services sector and asks for prioritisation of this sector in trade negotiations.

  • Dave Doogan SNP Angus and Perthshire Glens

    Asks about the negotiating strategy with devolved Administrations as the Secretary of State seeks to take forward his vision of global Britain.

  • Bob Stewart Con Beckenham

    Suggests that there are hints from the Government regarding a more active role in the United Nations, particularly in peacekeeping and soft power activities.

  • Chris Bryant Lab Rhondda

    Questions how Britain will continue to persuade the EU to adopt sanctions on Russia post-Brexit.

Government Response

Defends parliamentary scrutiny, engagement with devolved nations, and commitment to respecting democratic will. Acknowledges difficulties but expresses confidence in post-Brexit opportunities, responding specifically to concerns about NHS terms and free trade agreements. Responded comprehensively to various concerns raised by MPs regarding COP26, fishing rights, industrial engagement, US trade deals, European Court of Justice involvement, data protection agreements, and the overall approach to Brexit negotiations.

Get updates like this by email
▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy