House of Commons · General Debate
06 February 2025 · 16 other contributors
Opened by Nick Thomas-Symonds Con Constituency
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Nick Thomas-Symonds raised concerns about uk-eu relations 2025-02-06 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office outlined steps to increase co-operation on shared threats, including cross-border crime and illegal migration. He discussed a strong case for European security and defence, an ambitious UK-EU security partnership, and committed to working together with the EU without rewinding Brexit or rejoining the single market or customs union.
Opposed the concept of ruthless pragmatism, questioned tangible gains and red lines. Raised concerns about fish rights, free movement, and Pan-Euro-Mediterranean convention.
Welcomes the statement but criticises the deal's negative impact on economic output. Asks about plans to involve British business and trade union communities in future negotiations.
Calls for pragmatic negotiation, suggesting a UK-EU customs union as the most significant step towards unlocking growth. Criticises ruling out youth mobility schemes despite public support.
Presses for resolution of issues around the carbon border adjustment mechanism to avoid £5 billion to £8 billion costs over this Parliament.
Expresses concerns about negotiations on defence strategy with EU, requesting protocols to ensure PESCO does not undermine NATO's article 5 decisions.
Claims the previous Government left without a plan, highlighting the need for cutting paperwork and lowering trade barriers for British businesses in EU.
Concerned about passive divergence on regulations leading to trade barriers, particularly in emissions trading. Asks what measures will be taken against this.
Asks for more information on working with European partners to tackle transactional crimes such as people smuggling and drug trafficking.
Requests assurances that the fishing industry's interests will be protected in future negotiations, particularly regarding fishing grounds, quotas, days at sea etc.
Highlights negative impacts of post-Brexit barriers on businesses and job security. Urges tackling these barriers to support British businesses.
Emphasises that the Government was elected on a manifesto setting out clear red lines and highlights significant economic advantages in the reset being taken forward. Reiterates commitment to making citizens more prosperous and secure.
Welcomes the Minister’s statement, criticises the previous Government's approach and welcomes the new red lines set out by this Government. Highlights the need to move beyond the thin deal negotiated before.
Questions the Minister about the Northern Ireland protocol, expressing concern over its impact on trade deals with the US and highlights that it is hurting people financially and constitutionally. Requests confirmation that resolving the issue for Northern Ireland's benefit is a priority.
Reassures Mr Shannon about the Government’s commitment to Northern Ireland, mentions visits to Belfast and chairing relevant groups, emphasising that successful negotiation of SPS agreement would benefit Northern Ireland.
Welcomes the Paymaster General's statement but urges him to look at mobility schemes with other countries like South Korea and Uruguay, highlighting cultural, economic and societal benefits without conflicting with Government red lines.
Acknowledges Mr Brickell’s point about the benefits of studying abroad but reiterates the importance of the Government's manifesto-driven red lines on key issues.
Government Response
Emphasised NATO's central role in security. Cited manifesto red lines of no return to freedom of movement, single market or customs union. Criticised Conservatives' international negotiation record. Defends the Government's commitment to high standards, race-to-the-top approach on regulations, pragmatic negotiation according to manifesto red lines. Confirms focus on trade and co-operation agreement discussions including emissions trading scheme and linkage. Emphasises that the Government was elected with clear manifesto commitments including red lines. Highlights significant economic advantages from resetting relations with the EU and reiterates commitment to both prosperity and security for UK citizens.
Shadow Response
Alex BurghartCalled out the lack of plan for growth and red lines in negotiations. Raised concerns over fish rights, free movement, and Pan-Euro-Mediterranean convention.