Contributions
4,729 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDBrexit: No-deal PreparationsIf there is an extension, we would still be in the EU, but if we did not change our domestic law, which states that the European Communities Act comes to an end, and the legal…20 Mar 2019HANSARDBrexit: No-deal PreparationsI think we will have to wait to see what happens next week. It remains our view that Parliament should pass the deal because we think it is the best deal available, but we will…20 Mar 2019HANSARDBrexit: No-deal PreparationsIt is difficult for me to comment on rumours on the internet or on Twitter. I would be surprised if that was the case, but any EU member state can veto an extension and if one…20 Mar 2019HANSARDBrexit: No-deal PreparationsMy Lords, with the leave of the House, I shall now repeat in the form of a Statement the Answer given in the other place by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Exiting…20 Mar 2019HANSARDBrexit: No-deal PreparationsThat would depend on whether the EU was prepared to agree an extension in such circumstances. If so, we would need to table some secondary legislation in both Houses, on which…20 Mar 2019HANSARDBrexit: No-deal PreparationsWell, of course we have been endeavouring to find a deal acceptable to Parliament. We have spent two years negotiating it. But I repeat that it is the legal default, and until…20 Mar 2019HANSARDBrexit: No-deal PreparationsYes, the Government accept their responsibility in this matter. We negotiated what we thought was a good deal but have so far been unable to convince the House of Commons of this.20 Mar 2019HANSARDBrexit: No-deal PreparationsI do not have the up-to-date figures in front of me, but my information is that the uptake of these ERO numbers, as they are known, has increased markedly in recent days. This…20 Mar 2019HANSARDBrexit: No-deal PreparationsNo, I do not agree with the noble Lord. This House has resolved against no deal, as has the House of Commons, but even I am getting bored of hearing myself repeat that that does…20 Mar 2019HANSARDBrexit: No-deal PreparationsMy noble friend make a very valuable point. Business is getting on with things. Businesses are used to disruption and to learning how to make good. We have contacted about 150,000…20 Mar 2019HANSARDBrexit: No-deal PreparationsWe do not believe that our deal is a bad deal. We think it is a good deal, and we continue to hope that the House of Commons will agree to it.20 Mar 2019HANSARDBrexit: Article 50 Period Extension ProcedureI am not aware of the Solicitor-General making those comments. I have not seen them; I have been briefing for this session and listening to the debate in the House of Commons. The…18 Mar 2019HANSARDBrexit: Article 50 Period Extension ProcedureThis will be something the Prime Minister will want to address in her discussions with the European Council. The reason we are requesting this is the request by the House of…18 Mar 2019HANSARDBrexit: Article 50 Period Extension ProcedureWe will then have the choice of either passing the meaningful vote or we will leave by the normal operation of the law that this House has voted for.18 Mar 2019HANSARDBrexit: Article 50 Period Extension ProcedureMy Lords, with the leave of the House I shall now repeat in the form of a Statement the Answer to an Urgent Question given earlier today in another place by the Parliamentary…18 Mar 2019HANSARDBrexit: Article 50 Period Extension ProcedureIf the noble Lord is asking whether it can be withdrawn once it has been agreed, I do not think so. We are allowed to apply for an extension, and it has to be agreed unanimously.…18 Mar 2019HANSARDBrexit: Article 50 Period Extension ProcedureThe noble Baroness stated that we will not leave on 29 March. Of course, she cannot say that definitely. UK law still requires that we do, and any extension—which we have said we…18 Mar 2019HANSARDBrexit: Article 50 Period Extension ProcedureNo, I cannot confirm that. I can also reassure the noble Baroness that we will not be seeking permission to hold another people’s vote. We have already had a people’s vote, and…18 Mar 2019HANSARDBrexit: Article 50 Period Extension ProcedureMy noble friend makes a very good point and he knows I have some sympathy with his view. However, the will of the House of Commons was clear; it refused to pass the withdrawal…18 Mar 2019HANSARDBrexit: Article 50 Period Extension ProcedureI refer the noble Lord to the answer I gave earlier to the noble Baroness, Lady Ludford. I do not agree that there should be a further people’s vote; we have already had a…18 Mar 2019