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UK-EU Summit 2025-05-13
13 May 2025
Lead MP
Alex Burghart
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
EconomyTaxationBrexit
Other Contributors: 91
At a Glance
Alex Burghart raised concerns about uk-eu summit 2025-05-13 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The Conservative Party stands by the result of the 2016 referendum to leave the EU, calls on the Government to stand by that decision at the summit with the EU on 19 May 2025, not to row back on Brexit, and ensures no new money is paid to the EU, no reduction in UK fishing rights, NATO remains the foundation of European security, and the UK can continue strategic and defence agreements with non-EU partners. The debate is necessary for clarity on what the Government are fighting for, their red lines, and what they stand for.
Pete Wishart
SNP
Perth and Kinross-shire
Questions whether the Government are truly hard Brexiteers or just opportunistic, given the Prime Minister's changing stance on immigration rules.
Phil Brickell
Lab
Bolton West
Claims the motion conflates freedom of movement with youth mobility and argues that a youth mobility scheme is not against red lines regarding freedom of movement.
Stella Creasy
Lab/Co-op
Walthamstow
Asks Alex Burghart to put aside his blindness to the benefits of co-operating with Europe for a security and defence partnership, highlighting the threat posed by President Putin.
Kevin Bonavia
Lab
Stevenage
Questions what would be said to British firms calling for cooperation with European allies on increased defence spending, given the Government's call for a security deal with the EU.
Alex Ballinger
Lab
Halesowen
Defence contractors in his constituency have been struggling due to Brexit and would benefit from increased UK defence spending. The previous Labour government reduced the Army's size significantly.
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
The EU procurement history shows that France and Germany often get more out of defence funds than they put in, and Britain is always a loser. He warns against signing up to a deal without securing better terms for UK contractors.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
The UK's contribution to collective defence has been disproportionate but necessary, and it is important for the Government to make clear its long-term commitment to this during negotiations with the EU.
Jim Allister
TUV
North Antrim
There must be a recovery of territorial integrity in the UK, including ending the situation where laws affecting Northern Ireland are made by foreign parliaments rather than Westminster.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Recalls that the common fisheries policy was created to rip off Britain once it joined the EU, and emphasises the importance of securing fair fishing rights for UK fishermen in future negotiations.
Hendon
Questions Alex Burghart about his party's impact on the UK fishing industry, pointing out a significant drop in catches under Conservative leadership. Suggests there has been no apology from Conservatives for this damage.
Cheltenham
Inquires if Alex Burghart acknowledges Brexit's success and whether he thinks it is beneficial for the UK to continue with its current trading position post-Brexit.
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
Questions whether a one-term mandate in one election trumps the result of the 2016 referendum.
Mark Francois
Con
Rayleigh and Wickford
Asks if the Labour manifesto includes accepting dynamic alignment or becoming a rule taker.
Pete Wishart
SNP
Perth and North Perthshire
Calls for commitment to securing a mobility scheme for young people, questions youth mobility schemes.
Harriet Cross
Con
Gordon and Buchan
Discusses negative impacts of the family farm tax on distilleries in Scotland and their supply chain, criticises Labour's investment plans.
James Cartlidge
Con
South Suffolk
Comments that the Minister was self-employed rather than running a business.
Rachel Blake
Lab/Co-op
Cities of London and Westminster
Challenges the Minister about constructive ideas from the Conservatives on post-Brexit trade, highlights lack of positive proposals.
Robin Swann
UUP
South Antrim
Asks where Northern Ireland's benefit is in UK-India and UK-US trade deals, queries checks at the Irish sea border.
Catherine Fookes
Lab
Monmouthshire
Supports efforts to negotiate a new SPS deal and remove red tape for businesses like Tri-Wall in her constituency.
Epsom and Ewell
Agrees that closer UK-EU defence ties complement NATO's role, supports securing access to programmes such as the Security Action for Europe fund.
We respect the result of the 2016 referendum. What the hon. Lady is saying on the cost of food is precisely what an SPS agreement on agricultural products, food and drink would seek to deal with—I would hope to see her party supporting that. The Conservatives now seem to be the defenders of the current status quo. If they bothered to speak to traders these days, they would know that that status quo is not working in the interests of UK businesses, big or small. One Member said that the existing trade deal is 'not a very good one'. That was actually the hon. Member for Clacton; it is not often that I agree with him, but there we are.
Matt Rodda
Lab
Reading Central
I am very grateful to the Minister for giving way; he is making an excellent speech. Like me, I am sure he is concerned about small businesses that could particularly benefit from an agrifood deal. Would he like to say a little bit more about the benefits for our small businesses?
John Hayes
Con
South Holland and The Deepings
I am immensely grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for giving way. The last time we exchanged comments in the Chamber, I think they were about Asquith, but I cannot match that today. The right hon. Gentleman is making some sensible points about trusted traders and easing barriers at the border, but he will know, when he speaks of safety and security, that our key security relationship is the Five Eyes relationship: with America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Calum Miller
LD
Bicester and Woodstock
Will the Minister give way?
Perran Moon
Lab
Camborne and Redruth
Does the Minister agree that at the heart of this debate is that this Government are taking proactive engagement with our nearest and largest trading and security partner, which is a quantum leap from the failed position of sneering resentment from the Conservative party?
I just wanted to check on something. We can debate whether a trade deal can be improved—I am sure that all trade deals can be improved, whether it is the American one or what is an extensive one with Europe—but one area, as the Government go back into this discussion, needs to be very clear.
Richard Tice
Reform
Boston and Skegness
I can understand why the right hon. Member did not want to answer the two questions from the Opposition on dynamic alignment, but surely, given a third opportunity, he will commit the Government not to have dynamic alignment in any way, so that we can benefit from trade deals around the world—a great Brexit benefit.
Stephen Gethins
SNP
Arbroath and Broughty Ferry
Will the Minister give way?
Lewes
I thank those on the Conservative Front Bench for bringing this motion, which reveals, if nothing else, the sorry state of their party—not a vision for Britain’s future, but a stubborn fixation on a failed past. The Tories’ botched Brexit deal has left us not flourishing, but floundering—not prosperous, but poorer.
Ilford South
The impact of Brexit regulations is significant for businesses, particularly farmers and fishermen. The promised benefits have not materialized; instead, we see red tape hindering growth and causing economic harm.
Sarah Dyke
LD
Glastonbury and Somerton
The previous Conservative Government undermined farmers with a botched trade deal with Australia and New Zealand. The new Government should not repeat this mistake, as it is detrimental to our rural economy.
Questions the necessity of additional bureaucracy post-Brexit for shellfish exports and criticises the EU for breaching international law regarding trade barriers.
South Devon
The Liberal Democrats advocate for a new relationship with Europe, including rejoining beneficial European agencies like Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe, and negotiating practical arrangements to reduce red tape.
Joe Robertson
Con
Isle of Wight East
Welcomes comments about the common fisheries policy but urges the Government not to give up fishing rights for other benefits from a wider deal.
Asks whether ruling out ever rejoining the EU is possible, given previous uncertainty over leaving it.
West Dunbartonshire
The right hon. Member mentioned a second referendum, suggesting that any Government result should be perpetual unless the people change their minds through elections. He criticised the 'cakeism' philosophy during Brexit negotiations and highlighted how businesses find it easier to trade with South Korea than Europe due to red tape from the Conservative party's Brexit deal.
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
Asked about the ease of trading with South Korea compared to the EU, suggesting this is why people voted to leave due to excessive EU bureaucracy. He did not provide a full position but engaged in debate on trade barriers.
Helen Maguire
SDLP
South Down
Expressed concern over preventable delays of essential medications for conditions like ADHD, diabetes, and mental health due to red tape. She called for a mutual recognition agreement with the European Medicines Agency to cut down on bureaucracy detrimental to public health.
Ben Coleman
Lab
Chelsea and Fulham
Expressed optimism about the future under the new Labour Government, praising their securing of trade deals with India and USA. He emphasised the need for a good deal with the EU to boost economic growth and rebuild public services decimated over 14 years.
Wilkinson points out that while Labour criticises the Conservatives for breaching the referendum result, no key Conservative figures who supported Brexit are present to defend it. He questions whether this absence signifies a lack of confidence in defending their stance.
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
Jenkin asserts that the government's decision-making process concerning EU alignment is undermining the democratic legitimacy derived from the Brexit referendum. He argues that a single-issue referendum carries more weight than an election mandate and stresses the importance of respecting popular consent as expressed in referenda.
Hayes supports Jenkin's argument by stating that the direct expression of democratic consent via a referendum must be honoured, questioning the government's intentions regarding alignment with EU law and the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice.
Francois highlights the commitment made by the UK Government during the Brexit campaign to implement the referendum result, criticising the government's current position for lack of transparency and honesty regarding its intentions towards EU alignment.
Voaden questions Jenkin's credibility by referencing the misleading pledge about NHS funding during the referendum campaign, suggesting it eroded public trust in political promises.
Tamworth
The EU defence policy sends a dangerous signal to Donald Trump that Europe can handle its own defence without the US. This could lead to further isolationism in America's foreign policy.
Luke Taylor
LD
Sutton and Cheam
There is fragility in our current European defence system which depends heavily on American hardware. The UK needs an alternative plan if the US decides it does not care about defending Europe or Ukraine specifically.
Tom Hayes
Lab
Bournemouth East
The world has changed with new geopolitical challenges and environmental risks. We need urgent solutions to address inequality and instability. Labour supports trade deals that improve quality of life and economic growth, such as the recent India deal achieved in 10 months. The upcoming EU-UK trade deal is crucial for fostering conditions for trade amidst global insecurity.
John Hayes
Con
South Holland and The Deepings
Power should be rooted closer to people, not detached by foreign potentates like the EU. As a sovereign nation, we must shape our own trade conditions and foster collaboration with European countries in areas such as defence spending.
Tom Hayes
Con
Bournemouth East
Hayes supports a UK-EU reset focusing on youth mobility, economic benefits, and open trade talks. He cites the importance of English language schools in his constituency contributing £400 million to BCP economy and £44 billion nationally.
Chingford and Woodford Green
Duncan Smith welcomes Government trade negotiations but criticises EU's phytosanitary barriers and Northern Ireland agreement. He argues for trusting UK veterinary authorities to bypass current checks and maintains that dynamic alignment is not necessary.
Jake Richards
Lab
Rother Valley
While respecting the red lines set by voters for controlling borders and maintaining sovereignty, there is now a need for closer co-operation with the EU on trade and defence. Polling shows that most people support more significant cooperation with the EU.
There is potential for a unified carbon and electricity market to raise revenue, more defence collaboration would ease pressures and enhance capability, and a capped UK-EU youth mobility scheme could be part of the deal.
Tiverton and Minehead
The debate seeks to drive a wedge between the UK and its European partners. Small businesses in her constituency are struggling due to increased red tape post-Brexit. She supports the EU youth mobility scheme for wider social benefits.
Andrew Lewin
Lab
Welwyn Hatfield
The Brexit deal signed in 2020 has done substantial damage to the UK economy, making it poorer by £100 billion. The Conservative party should accept this and work towards a new, more ambitious deal with the EU.
Joy Morrissey
Con
Beaconsfield
Opposed to returning to the EU due to the referendum result. She seeks reassurances on what the 'reset' of UK-EU relations entails and wants clarity on strategic partnership, concessions, and role at the summit.
Welwyn Hatfield
Supports the scepticism expressed by Joy Morrissey about Labour's intentions towards EU alignment.
Ben Coleman
Lab
Chelsea and Fulham
Defends Labour's stance on trade deals and criticises Conservative approaches to negotiations with Australia, suggesting that revealing strategy details is unwise.
Catherine Fookes
Lab
Monmouthshire
Emphasises the need for a better trading deal for farmers and businesses post-Brexit. Discusses barriers faced by exporters and calls for dynamic alignment of standards to facilitate trade.
Danny Kruger
Con
East Wiltshire
Stresses the importance of sovereignty in trade policy since Brexit, warns against dynamic alignment with the EU. Acknowledges support for youth mobility schemes but only if reciprocal and balanced. Expresses concern over European Court of Justice oversight and calls on Minister to rule it out.
Chingford and Woodford Green
Defends the Conservative party's position, criticises Labour for not supporting Brexit. Suggests Reform is piggybacking on Conservative success due to their failure in addressing public concerns about politics leaving them behind.
Stella Creasy
Lab/Co-op
Walthamstow
Warns new MPs against repeating old debates. Acknowledges Brexit has happened and cannot be undone, but calls for a salvage operation due to damage caused, especially in the context of tariffs and isolated status. Criticises Conservative myth that isolation brings strength and emphasises the need to look at geographical realities.
Danny Kruger
Con
Hampstead and Kilburn
Responds to Ms Creasy by questioning her interpretation of Churchill's views on the EU and criticises Labour for diminishing Britain's ability to participate in international organisations.
Stephen Gethins
SNP
Arbroath and Broughty Ferry
Contributes by referencing Winston Churchill’s history in Dundee, where he made speeches about Europe after joining the Conservative party.
John Hayes
Con
South Holland and The Deepings
Asked Mr Gethins a question but did not provide substantial speech.
Stephen Gethins
Lab
North East Fife
Continued arguing against the benefits of Brexit, citing financial losses and damage to devolution settlements. He criticised Labour's stance on Europe and emphasised the importance of standing up for what one believes in.
Joe Morris
Lab
Hexham
Discussed local businesses' concerns about red tape and lack of support from the Government. Emphasised the need to improve trade deals and address structural issues like a failing school building, advocating for an internationalist approach.
Francois
Con
Wealden
He argues against waiving fishing rights and warns about dynamic alignment which would compel the UK to follow EU rules in certain sectors, making it a passive rule taker. He references the plummeting of seafood exports to the EU post-Brexit and criticises Labour for potential concessions over Gibraltar sovereignty.
Questions Mr Francois about the decline in seafood exports despite the good trade deals, challenging his stance on the quality of these deals.
He acknowledges and supports Mr Francois's concerns over fishing rights and dynamic alignment, urging caution against any concessions that undermine UK sovereignty.
Ben Coleman
Lab
Chelsea and Fulham
The hon. Member challenges Mr Cash's view, pointing out that UK seafood exports to the EU have fallen by 80% since Brexit due to new checks and paperwork. He attributes this collapse not only to Brexit but also to market choices under the common fisheries policy.
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
The right hon. Member explains that the UK's lack of participation in the EU internal market is causing the collapse in seafood exports as it does not give direct applicability to EU SPS laws, resulting in checks for compliance despite similar standards existing in the UK.
Richard Baker
Lab
Glenrothes and Mid Fife
The hon. Member argues that the summit is necessary due to previous agreements made by the Conservative government when they were in power, aimed at achieving success for businesses through collaboration with Europe. He highlights economic benefits from trade deals and emphasises the importance of respecting Brexit while pursuing better relationships.
Stephen Gethins
Lab
Arbroath and Broughty Ferry
The hon. Member acknowledges Irene Oldfather's constructive work on promoting collaboration with Europe, emphasising the importance of practical measures to improve Britain’s relationship with Europe and support young people.
James Naish
Con
Rushcliffe
The hon. Member supports his party's approach to improving relationships with Europe through practical measures like cutting red tape, unlocking energy cooperation, and deepening security cooperation without undermining previous agreements.
John Hayes
Con
South Holland and the Deepings
Hayes criticised attempts by opponents of Brexit to reverse the referendum result, including the use of parliamentary and extra-parliamentary techniques such as legal cases. He emphasised scepticism towards dynamic realignment with the EU and highlighted concerns about governance, regulation, law, and jurisdiction. Hayes also addressed security and defence, free movement, and its impact on productivity, advocating for a high-skilled economy.
Ben Coleman
Con
Bournemouth East
Coleman thanked Sir John Hayes for acknowledging his contributions to the debate and expressed enthusiasm about the prospects ahead. He appreciated being associated with his constituents by Hayes.
Luke Charters
Lab
York Outer
The UK rebuilding its relationship with Europe is a critical issue for constituents. The Conservatives lack credibility to discuss this topic. They oppose the youth mobility scheme and their approach towards young people is outdated. A youth mobility scheme would be beneficial, allowing young adults the opportunity to explore different parts of the world, contributing positively to society through exposure to diverse cultures. Research from Oxford University supports such schemes as they encourage entrepreneurial activities among returnees. The summit should focus on securing defence pacts with Europe and easing airport congestion for hard-working families.
Julia Lopez
Con
Hornchurch and Upminster
The EU-UK summit next week is viewed sceptically as it could lead to Britain losing its sovereignty. Lessons learned from past Labour actions indicate that trusting the Prime Minister is unwise, and Labour negotiations often result in losses for Britain. Brexit was a demand for democratic control over laws, borders, trade, and future policies, not a rejection of Europe or its people. The UK has secured significant benefits post-Brexit including trade deals with fast-growing nations and setting independent courses on AI, financial services, agritech. Labour's unclear objectives could lead to partial free movement through youth mobility schemes and dynamic alignment in defence and regulation.
South Devon
The debate should focus on the future UK-EU relationship rather than rehashing past events. Opinions have changed over time, with many now recognising that Brexit has negatively impacted the economy and country. The political landscape reflects this shift, as evidenced by election results indicating a change in public sentiment.
Kieran Mullan
Con
Bexhill and Battle
Argues that the Labour Government risks betraying the full promise of Brexit, stressing national sovereignty and the importance of decision-making without EU bureaucracy. Opposes a youth mobility scheme due to economic disparity among EU member states, which could lead to mass low-skilled migration. Also opposes dynamic EU rule-taking or ECJ oversight in any agreements.
Jim Allister
TUV
North Antrim
Expresses the need for a proper reset of the relationship with Europe that acknowledges territorial integrity, highlighting issues with Northern Ireland's customs code and its treatment as EU territory. Criticises dynamic alignment as it subjects Northern Ireland to laws made in foreign Parliaments.
Sarah Bool
Con
South Northamptonshire
Concerned about the tone of conversations leading up to the summit, suggesting Labour Members are aiming for closer ties with the EU through youth opportunities and dynamic alignment. Wary of trade-offs in fisheries and food security as conditions for veterinary agreements.
Ashley Fox
Con
Bridgwater
Expresses worry over the Prime Minister's negotiating weaknesses, highlighting examples like the Chagos islands issue. Criticises government for increasing business costs and making it more expensive to employ people through national insurance jobs tax. Argues that a closer trading relationship should not mean UK becomes a rule taker under EU control.
James Wild
Con
North West Norfolk
Highlights lack of transparency in government negotiations and concerns over EU's intention to bring the UK back into its regulatory orbit. Criticises defence policy deal for duplicating NATO functions without clear benefits, emphasising that it undermines national sovereignty. Urges Minister to clarify stance on ECJ jurisdiction.
Jack Rankin
Con
Windsor
Praises government’s secondary legislation enabling gene editing for agricultural innovation but warns against conceding SPS regulations in negotiations, which could limit future regulatory autonomy. Emphasises the need to maintain competitive advantage and avoid constraints that would hinder long-term investment.
Liz Jarvis
LD
Eastleigh
Highlights impact of Brexit on local businesses like GW Martin Engineering, emphasising additional costs due to paperwork and regulatory requirements. Urges Minister to consider these issues in upcoming negotiations with the EU.
Introduced the debate focusing on the negative impact of Brexit, particularly on young people and the creative sector. Emphasised the need for a youth mobility scheme and renegotiating touring arrangements with the EU.
Llinos Medi
PC
Ynys Môn
Critiqued the UK government's handling of Brexit, highlighting economic damage to Wales including a £4 billion loss. Discussed impacts on Welsh exports and local businesses in her constituency like the port of Holyhead. Advocated for improvements in trading relationships with Europe, creation of a youth mobility scheme, environmental co-operation, arts support, and defence collaboration.
Andrew Griffith
Con
Arundel and South Downs
Defended Brexit arguing against Labour's policies post-election. Highlighted economic struggles since the election including job losses and wealth creators leaving at a high rate. Criticised Government for planning to dismantle Brexit freedoms and surrender sovereignty to EU, mentioning fears about strategic military decisions and fishing rights.
Stephen Doughty
Lab
Cardiff South and Penarth
Responds to concerns raised by Conservative MPs about the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill. Asserts that the Government is not planning to rejoin EU, single market, customs union or freedom of movement. Highlights recent growth investments from Czech Republic, Poland, and Iberdrola in UK companies. Emphasises strengthened defence agreements with Germany, Romania, and new negotiations with Poland and Norway.
Chingford and Woodford Green
Questions the Government's stance on dynamic alignment and red lines related to sovereignty issues. Expresses concern over potential breaches of previously stated red lines regarding EU integration.
Government Response
The Government welcomes resetting the UK’s relationship with the EU in line with their manifesto promises. They commit to a new security agreement that aligns with national interest but cannot disclose specific details until after next week's summit. The Government will deliver on their manifesto promises which include negotiating a sanitary and phytosanitary veterinary agreement with the EU, reducing barriers to trade, and accelerating economic growth. They highlight recent deals with the US and India as evidence of progress. Defends government policy, highlighting strengthened relationships with European partners for growth, security, and migration control. Rejects claims of surrendering sovereignty to Brussels and emphasises the UK's strong position in NATO.
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