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EU-UK Partnership: EU’s Mandate
04 June 2020
Lead MP
Michael Gove
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
EconomyNorthern IrelandBrexitBusiness & TradeStandards & Ethics
Other Contributors: 16
At a Glance
Michael Gove raised concerns about eu-uk partnership: eu’s mandate 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
Calls for full transparency in negotiations with the EU, regular progress reports, and addressing issues raised by the European Scrutiny Committee. Emphasises that the UK seeks a free trade agreement based on precedents from Canada, Japan, and South Korea.
Michael Gove
Con
Richmond Yorks
Argues for full transparency in negotiations to facilitate parliamentary scrutiny. Outlines the Government's approach towards a free trade agreement and stresses the importance of upholding Northern Ireland’s interests without imposing additional customs infrastructure.
Paul Blomfield
Lab
Sheffield Central
Calls for greater accountability and transparency in the negotiations, urging the Government to commit to making a statement on Monday after this week's crucial round of talks before the Joint Committee. Also highlights the need for meaningful consultation with the devolved Administrations, noting that engagement has been cursory and not reflective of previous promises.
Michael Gove
Con
Spelthorne
Intervenes to defend the Government's engagement with the Welsh First Minister, questioning whether seeking an extension of the transition period is official Labour party policy. His intervention suggests ongoing tensions between the UK government and devolved administrations regarding the Brexit process.
Joanna Cherry
SNP
Edinburgh South West
Intervenes to express concern about the lack of meaningful input from the Scottish Parliament in the Brexit negotiations, questioning whether engagement has been merely informational rather than participatory in decision-making processes.
Hilary Benn
Lab
Leeds South
Asked Bill Cash about his views on a dispute resolution mechanism in any future agreement between the UK and EU. Inquired if independent arbitration could play a role, given that member states have historically benefitted from state aid to the disadvantage of the UK.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Supports the Government in getting a deal done by end of year, but warns that the Northern Ireland protocol undermines UK sovereignty and allows EU to dictate state aid rules. He argues for revisiting withdrawal agreement due to potential impact on businesses trading with Northern Ireland.
Praises right hon. Member for East Antrim (Sammy Wilson) for his advocacy of leaving the EU and thanks hon. Friend for Stone (Sir William Cash). Disagrees with those who never wanted to leave the EU, emphasising that constituents in North East Derbyshire are committed to having left the EU and want clarity by December.
Rushanara Ali
Lab
Bethnal Green and Stepney
Argues for a deal that protects jobs, businesses, workers' rights, environmental standards, and maintains supply chain integrity. Expresses concern over Government's insistence on sticking to pre-crisis timetable despite economic challenges posed by the pandemic.
Alistair Carmichael
Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
Criticised the gap between rhetoric and reality regarding Brexit, highlighted concerns over border checks and trade deals with lower food standards. Emphasised the importance of protecting agricultural interests.
Richard Graham
Con
Gloucester
Stressed the importance of achieving a successful deal by December 31st, underlined the risks of no-deal for automotive and farming sectors. Called for clarity on the implications of no deal for supply chains.
Lagan Valley
Expressed concerns about the Northern Ireland protocol, its impact on trade and regulatory checks, and potential tariffs between Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Highlighted the need for clarity from the Government regarding implementation of the protocol.
Andrew Griffith
Con
Arundel and South Downs
The Government's ambition to secure the best possible outcome for the UK during Brexit negotiations is supported, emphasising the importance of a deadline in negotiations. He cites historical context from Sussex and business experience to argue that certainty and deregulation will benefit British businesses post-Brexit. He also supports the idea of securing independent trade deals with countries such as Japan and the US.
Catherine West
Lab
Hornsey and Friern Barnet
Expresses concern over the current state of manufacturing, citing risks to companies like Nissan due to potential tariffs. Questions food standards and environmental protection in future trade deals with the EU. Calls for clarity on new regulations for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, and urges a pragmatic approach rather than an ideological one.
Emphasises the need to be prepared to walk away from negotiations if necessary, drawing on his experience in business. Believes this will lead to securing a deal without extending the deadline and completing Brexit successfully.
Penny Mordaunt
Con
Nonsuch
Thanked participants, acknowledged the withdrawal agreement and political declaration, defended scrutiny practices, highlighted engagement with devolved Administrations, emphasised economic benefits of Brexit, reiterated commitment to state aid policy independent from EU rules, dismissed extension of transition period, assured ongoing work for a deal within timeframe, confirmed development of separate subsidy policy, underlined importance of democratic decisions in Northern Ireland regarding the protocol.
Ben Lake
PC
Ceredigion Preseli
Asked about Government's capacity to handle no-deal planning alongside covid-19 management.
Government Response
EconomyNorthern IrelandBrexitBusiness & TradeStandards & Ethics
Government Response
Defended government's approach, acknowledged ongoing work towards a deal within the given timeframe, reassured independent development of state aid policy, emphasised the importance of democratic decisions in Northern Ireland.
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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.