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Exiting the European Union
24 November 2020
Lead MP
Amanda Solloway
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Brexit
Other Contributors: 21
At a Glance
Amanda Solloway raised concerns about exiting the european union 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 statutory instrument will help ensure the UK is not challenged if it chooses to diverge from EU regulations, removing potential grounds for legal challenges based on retained treaty articles once the UK has fully regained its independence. The SI will remove EU treaty rights related to quantitative restrictions so they no longer apply in England, Scotland or Wales, protecting our ability to regulate goods as we see fit.
Alan Brown
SNP
Clyde
Asked the Minister about consent for the regulations from devolved nations and whether discussions have been held to ensure their wishes are not overridden by forced divergences.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Critiqued the Minister's explanation of the statutory instrument as cursory, emphasising the importance of a full and proper explanation when advancing legislation in the House.
Lucy Powell
Lab Co-op
Manchester Central
Expresses disappointment in the Minister's brief speech, criticising the government for lack of information provided to businesses about post-transition period trade terms. Emphasises that this statutory instrument leaves many questions unanswered and expresses concern over the impact on business resilience due to the pandemic.
Chris Matheson
Lab
City of Chester
Supports concerns raised by Lucy Powell, highlighting the importance of a deal for sectors like automotive and aerospace that are vital to the levelling-up agenda. Expresses concern over the lack of certainty about tariffs and other implications on trade.
Hilary Benn
Lab
Leeds South
Adds to concerns by mentioning uncertainty in Northern Ireland, suggesting this statutory instrument is further proof of government disrespect towards businesses. Emphasises that the Government's relations with devolved Governments have been damaging.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Raises concerns over lack of consultation with Welsh and Scottish Governments, questioning the impact on the Union. Expresses concern about tariffs for car exports under no deal scenario and highlights uncertainty faced by farmers.
Alex Cunningham
Lab
Stockton North
Supports points made by Chris Bryant, emphasising the importance of Nissan to regions like Stockton North and Teesside. Highlights reliance on just-in-time supply chains and concerns about moving manufacturing out of the UK.
Mark Tami
Lab
Alyn and Deeside
Points out irony in lack of certainty despite election promises, reinforcing concern over impact on farmers due to no deal scenario.
Eleanor Laing
Con
South Dorset
Ms Eleanor Laing began by addressing interjections from other Members, particularly focusing on the hon. Member for Rhondda's comments about choir practice and singing, while also mentioning that she expects the shadow Minister to address relevant points.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda
Mr Chris Bryant interjected with a humorous comment in response to Ms Eleanor Laing's remarks about his singing abilities.
Alex Cunningham discussed concerns related to the movement of food between Britain and Europe, highlighting worries about delays at docks due to potential lack of agreement. He also addressed divergence on food standards and its impact on people on low incomes in his constituency.
Stephen Doughty
Lab Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
Mr Stephen Doughty raised concerns about the UK overseas territories, particularly the Falkland Islands, worried that their squid industry could be adversely affected due to lack of proper consideration in transition arrangements. He also noted the importance of providing assurance to these territories.
Mr Chris Matheson commented on the Prime Minister's description of devolution as a 'disaster', criticising Conservative Members for playing fast and loose with the Union, devolution, and the United Kingdom.
Hilary Benn
Lab
Leeds South
Mr Hilary Benn questioned the risk of challenge to the Government's objectives in negotiations over free movement of goods without quantitative restrictions, urging for clarity from the Minister on these points.
John Redwood
Con
Wokingham
He supports the regulations, citing taking back control as the primary reason. He criticises the opposition for not believing in the potential of independent trade regulation and emphasises the need to improve upon EU law. Additionally, he urges the government to review restrictions on trade and tariffs to support British industries.
Alan Brown
SNP
Central Ayrshire
Remarks on the lack of detail provided by the Minister regarding improvements or changes as a result of the legislation. Criticises the Government for withdrawing multiple speakers from the debate, suggesting it may be due to their inability to answer questions effectively.
Patrick Grady
Lab
Glasgow North West
Suggested extending the transition period to avoid a cliff edge Brexit due to unforeseen global pandemic. Questioned whether Tory rebels are present as expected in debates on taking control, and questioned respect for devolution settlement.
Alex Cunningham
Lab
Stockton North
Joked about concerns over losing access to specific food items and whisky if Scotland becomes independent, expressing worry over potential divergences impacting supply.
Kevan Jones
Lab
North Durham
Asked if the focus should not only be on import of goods but also exports like shellfish important to Scottish economy, raising concern about barriers disrupting trade.
David Linden
SNP
Kilmarnock and Loudoun
Questioned whether 'taking back control' was misleading given lack of preparation for customs agents; raised concerns over cronyism beyond the pandemic context, like in the Westferry scandal.
John Redwood
Con
Wokingham
Asked the Minister to respond to debate points and questioned whether proper sanitisation was ensured before switching Dispatch Boxes.
Government Response
Stressed that her speech was short as regulations do not introduce immediate changes for businesses. Emphasised that the regulation prevents challenge under EU treaty if divergence occurs.
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