← Back to House of Commons Debates
Global Britain
03 February 2020
Lead MP
Dominic Raab
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
NHSEconomyBrexitScience & TechnologyBusiness & TradeAgriculture & Rural Affairs
Other Contributors: 38
At a Glance
Dominic Raab raised concerns about global britain 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 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.
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.
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
NHSEconomyBrexitScience & TechnologyBusiness & TradeAgriculture & Rural Affairs
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.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.