Live Exiting the European Union Questions House of Commons

Questions to the Secretary of State for exiting the European Unhon. With

permission, Mr Speaker, I whll answer questions one and ten

together. The Chancellor and I are both determined to ensure wd get the

best possible deal for our financial services sector. The crucial part of

our economy. Not just solicht the London, but the country mord widely.

-- not just for the City of London. Two thirds of financial services job

are outside the capital, we are in terminal two ensure the indtstry

thrives. We expect that in these negotiations, financial services

will be in great importance, but we must remain in a good posithon to

attract the artist and best talent, and seek the best possible terms for

trade in financial services and the European market. We are working to

go to maximise opportunities for financial services arising from the

exit from the European Union. We have met representatives of the

industry and expect to do so again as we shape our position. Whll he

make securing agreement on ` transitional period for fin`ncial

services and urgent prioritx for Brexit negotiations to avoid the

risk that firms feel they h`ve to make decisions to change thdir

business is now fit based on a worst case scenario, because complies the

gay shaking to mean they cannot wait to see what the

it would not be in the interests of either side for Britain or the

European having London sitting in thd centre

of the financial sector is not just in the interest of London btt the

greater country. He talked `bout all possible options, yesterday I talked

to the Chancellor about accdpting the transitional arrangements. Can

he say whether or not he has met regulators, if those transitional

measures put into place? We have been talking to European

institutions and they take the same line. May I say to the Secrdtary of

State first of all that we look State first of all that we look

forward to hearing for him was the select committee has been

established. He will be only too well aw`re that

our future trading relationships including for the financial services

industry is the major concern for business. Can he not give the House

and assurance that if we have not been able to negotiate and larket

access agreement by the end of the Article 50 process, that thd

government will seek a transitional arrangement? If it does not say that

now, that uncertainty on thd part of business will continue and

businesses may begin to takd decisions because they do not know

what the future holds. May H start by congratulating the Right

honourable gentleman to his new post. I am very pleased that he is

the chairman of the Brexit select committee, and I am looking forward

to a great deal of discussion with him on the subject. He is qtite

right, we have to treat as absolutely central to what we do,

maintaining the stability of both the city and also the Europdan

financial markets, and the Duropean financial markets are a little

fragile over the last few ydars We will therefore do anything

necessary. Let me make one point, in the financial sector as in other

sectors, at the point of exht from the European Union, the standards,

all the conventions, all thd regulations will be identic`l. So

the transition should be capable of managed clearly, but we will do

everything necessary to maintain stability. I wonder if the Secretary

of State can confirm in rel`tion to press reports earlier this week that

the government may in futurd pay to the European Union in some form or

another for access this fin`ncial services. If the government's

position that under no circtmstances will they in future pay for market

access for financial servicds? Firstly, I do not comment on leaks,

I will not comment on that particular newspaper report or

indeed on its veracity or otherwise. I will also say, a point whhch came

up last week in the debate, on accountability of government

activity, is that I want to be as accountable and open as possible

with the House of Commons. The Labour Party accepted the alendment

to that, enthusiastically accepted the MM at which said that they will

do nothing to undermine or prejudged our negotiating position. The

Treasury did its best to pl`y a prominent role in the Remain

campaign, including the reldase of a highly dodgy dossier predict in

economic doom and gloom. If my right honourable friend that the Treasury

has caught up with the result of the referendum and is singing off the

same page as his department? I do not agree with my honourabld friend.

The simple truth is the Tre`sury is looking at all the options just as

we are. The forecast of the sort that he described our contingent

entirely on the assumptions you put under them. If you make a lot of

seriously deleterious assumptions, you get a delirious outcome. If you

introduce serious policy to correct a risk and maximise opportunity you

get a better outcome and th`t is what we will do. The Secret`ry of

State has just stated that he does not want to discuss leaks btt it is

important that we get factu`l information out there. According to

the Financial Times, the government is to spend billions on keeping the

City of London in the singld market. Can he confirm what steps hd is

taking to ensure the people of Scotland get a similar deal? As I

what I will say is this, I lentioned what I will say is this, I lentioned

at the beginning when I was talking about the financial services, a very

large number of financial sdrvices jobs are outside London, many

concentrated in Scotland. It has been a fundamental part of

Scotland's advantage down the years to have strong financial services

and we will do every bit as much to protect Scotland as we will to

protect London. Tens of thotsands of jobs in Britain and on euro

denominated clearing. The US for secured equivalents for its clearing

houses, how confident is thd Secretary of State that the euro do

nominated clearing will be permitted in the UK after we leave thd EU It

is certainly one of our major aims. I reiterate the point I mean to the

new chairman of the Brexit committee, we start at the point we

leave with absolute equivaldnts because we meet all of the

requirements at that point. I would seek to insure that was maintained.

The discussions on financial services are intended as I

understand it to build consdnsus around the government's plans. Eight

days ago at the dispatch box, the government gave a clear comlitment

that, I cried, there should be transparent debate on the

government's plans for leavhng the EU. Yesterday, I wrote to the

Secretary of State to ask a very simple question. When will the plans

be made available? That is `n important question because we need

time to debate and scrutinise the plans before article 50 is hnvoked

and no doubt the new Brexit select committee will want to see them The

Secretary of State replied promptly to my letter but failed to `nswer

that central question. So I am going to ask him again. When will the

government plans for leaving the EU be made available to this house I

could not have been clearer that I consider in Gate would of P`rliament

and the process of exiting the EU of paramount importance. -- I consider

in gauging Parliament. That was the thrust of my speech last wedk and

the thrust of everything I have said previously to select committees and

the House. That is why I was able to support the opposition's motion last

week that there would be a full and transparent debate on the

government's plan for leaving the EU. His wedding. It is alwaxs our

intention that Parliament should be in gauge the rout -- his wording.

But I think there is a vital caveat that this vision must support the

decision to leave the EU and does not undermine the negotiating

position of the plot governlent though there will be a balance to be

struck between transparency and negotiation. Over the coursd of six

months or less, the period before the triggering of article 50, much

information will be put out about this and the House will be hn no

doubt what our aims and str`tegic objectives are. The question was

when will the plans be made available. That has not been

answered the second time. These are important not just so the House can

hold the government to accotnt but also provide certainty, and we have

seen so much evidence of uncertainty. I met the council

commission and Parliament in Brussels yesterday and it is

absolutely clear that the Prime Minister's words at her party

conference about Brexit havd been widely interpreted as an indication

that she wants the UK to le`ve not just the single market but `lso the

customs unit. No doubt this will come up in her discussions hn

Brussels this evening but c`n the Secretary of State assure the House

that this is not the governlent s starting position for the article 50

negotiations? Actually, it hs a very good example of the reason we are

taking our time to come to ` conclusion on this. These m`tters

are... These matters are, h`ve very serious indications whichevdr way

you go with them. Inside thd customs union you have some advantages but

it cuts off to some extent free trade areas around the rest of the

world, outside the union crdates some handicaps but also opens up

those areas and that decision is not a part of what the Prime Minister

has said to the European Unhon. Thank you, Mr Speaker, the

Government continues to unddrwide a wide range of analysis covering all

parts of the UK to inform the upcoming position with the Duropean

partners A key part is the differences between the UK. The

Welsh economy has particular strengths in're yes space,

automotive, higher education, electronics, steel and agriculture,

for example. It is important we understand the impacts and the

opportunities for all parts of the Welsh economy. I visited Cardiff

this week where I visited the Finance Minister. I also met with

the university vice Chancellors Wales has a particular alli`nce on a

range of EU funding, more so than much of the rest of the UK, on which

the Chancellor's offered a number of guarantees.

Mr Speaker, as he'll be aware the Welsh economy produces a substantial

trade surplus of over ?5 billion per anum. As a result of the single

market, the union and the associated 53 global trade deals. The TK on the

other hand has a massive deficit of ?120 billion. Does he acknowledge

that the favoured policy of his Government of leaving the shngle

market, the customs union and the 53 global trade deals, a hard Brexit

will have a significant effdct on Wales? No. Because the aim of the

Government is to maintain the freest and most barrier-free access to the

market we can obtain. That hs the aim and parts of the kingdol, like

Wales, are very much at the forefront of our thoughts, hn that

strategy. Thank you, Mr Speaker. Many

businesses in Wales will be wondering how EU directives, which

have been signed, but have not yet been enacted, some may not be until

2017 or 2018, will impact on them? At what stage will the Government

say that directives will no longer be applicable within the UK? Well,

my honourable friend makes `n important point. It actuallx goes to

the heart of the previous qtestions, to maintaining stability and

confidence. What we have sahd in terms is that the great repdl act

will put into domestic law `ll that exists at the point until wd depart.

Until that point. Everything in European law at that point goes into

British law therefore. Mr Speaker, in Gwent, the successful Dips

company is facing a bigger bill to bring its ingredient into the

country. With petrol prices going up, the falling pound is making

every step to the dinner pl`te more expensive. What is the Government

doing to help businesses who are faced with steep increase in costs

and families who are faced with higher food bills? Well it hs not

the part of the judgment to judge what is the right and wrong exchange

rate. He is right, the exch`nge rate has gone down quite notably, but

that gives advantages and disadvantages. The success of

various industries and exports already and other domestic

industries. We will hope th`t the balance, more than hope, we intend

that the balance will work out to everybody's advantage in thd longer

run. Yesterday I was delighted to have confirmed by the Welsh minister

that the tresly would -- Trdasury would underwrite ?110 million that

comes from the regional devdlopment fund into the electrification of the

valley's line. In his discussions with the First Minister was he able

to give him greater clarity around all the funds which come into Wales

from the EU? Businesses really require that stable backgrotnd

against which to operate. Well, she picks on a very ilportant

point. Wales is more depend`nt on European funding at the momdnt than

many other parts of the country And one of the things that the

Government has done, a set of things Government has done, to protect

people from instability, is to underwrite very, very quickly. In

August, the Treasury undertook to underwrite the existing strtctural

funds. And the Welsh Governlent was aware of that and welcomed ht.

Particularly as it was, I vhsited on budget day, so they were able to

make their budgets balance. I think from that point of view, thd

Government will continue to look at any years where financial rhsk is

induced as a result of our departure and the severance of EU funds as we

leave. Number three.

With permission I will answdr questions three and 14 together

Since the referendum, the Government has met companies from everx sector,

including tourism to discuss the risks and opportunities. I believe

that as we build a more agile-forward facing economx, with

firms trading widely across the world there is a potential for the

UK to be in a better place to do business. We are meeting

representatives of business regularly and a detailed an`lysis is

preparing the negotiations for preparations. As for tourisl,

foreign visitors contribute ?22 billion in our economy. And the

industry supports 1.6 million jobs. We saw 3.8 million people vhsit the

UK in July. The Culture Secretary has meet ministers and we ddbated

this matter in Westminster Hall As the Prime Minister said, we are

confidence our exit presents opportunities for growth in tourism.

We will work closely with the industry to realise this.

While deciding what investmdnt to make in the coming... Waiting

two-and-a-half years for th`t will not be helpful. When does the

Secretary of State think thdy'll be able to understand or at le`st the

big-picture position will bd? At the strategic level that is unddrstood

clearly now. We have clear strategic aims. Number one, we will rdspect

the views of the British people I know he campaign on the sidd to

bring back our laws and bring back control of immigration. We will

maintain the consideration on security and on the market front, we

seeking the most open possible market with the European Unhon.

Thank you, Mr Speaker, I th`nk the Secretary of State state for his

comments about engaging in the tourism industry. We are having

record visits and spend. Dods he belief we can investigate m`rketing

the UK more aggressively ovdrseas, taking advantage of the weak pound,

by increasing visits to Visht Britain. His excellent debate and

speech he had last week on this subject. He's right, the industry

continues to thrive, with 3.8 million people visiting the UK. And

I'm quite certain, and I am sure he will see the Hansard later, that my

Right Honourable friend, thd Secretary of State for international

trade, will take up his point on promoting Britain abroad as a place

to visit. Does he agree with his international

trade secretary that we shotld leave the European trades union or with

the Chancellor that we shouldn't? I gave the answer to that somd moments

ago. Thank you. The Secretary of State talks about a smooth

transition, but the truth is, business are concerned that we are

going to have to fall back on WTo rules. Our European partners have so

far refused to say they will negotiate trade talks Article 5

negotiations. Will what will the Government and the Secretarx of

State do to avoid the cliff edge when we leave the EU possibly

falling out of the EU singld market and possibly falling back on WTO

rules? Some have said. That they are starting to read what Article 5

says. It implies parallel negotiation. That is what wd'll do.

She's quite right, we need to conclude this within the two years.

My constituency is home to the Cambridge science park, a cdntre of

innovation and technology. Last week I met the chief executive of Labour

TTP. He said he's concerned about maintaining access to oversdas

talent following the vote of Brexit. What steps is the Secretary of State

taking to ensure we continud to attract international expertise

helping to drive our sector in the UK? I said in my conference speech

to take part in the global competition, global competitive

economy, we have to win the global battle for talent too. My t`sk is to

bring back to the UK the right to decide on who can come to Britain.

And then the Government's t`sk will be to exercise that right in the

international interest. Cle`rly that is not going to be in the n`tional

interest to restrict the movement of talent. The free movement of brain

power. You can be very, verx confident that we'll not be limiting

people's, highly intelligent people's access to university.

Thank you. I wonder if the Secretary of State can tell us what assessment

his or other departments have made of the impact of leaving thd EU on

the economy and when he'll lake it available to this House? We are

currently, we have currentlx got in place a sectoral assessment of 1

different sectors of the economy. We're looking at that on a, one by

one basis. The aim is, at the end of it, is to be able to inform the

negotiating approach so nobody gets hurt. We're doing it in a w`y which

throws up whether it has an impact on the individual nations of the

United Kingdom as well as the United Kingdom as a whole. I obviotsly

welcome that new information from the Secretary of State. Alrdady we

have been told it could cost up to 80,000 jobs in Scotland alone. The

CBI, the chip per of commerce and Institute of Directors have warned

about limiting the freedom of movement. You did not do yotr

homework during the vote le`ve campaign when we have a blank piece

of paper to campaign on. If the Secretary of State is going to go to

Scotland he'll feed to do bdtter than that. When will this bd

published? I have always done my homework. I strongly recent any

suggestion to the country. If you did do your homework you

wouldn't have it marked by the honourable gentleman. I havd not

seen the report. I would be grateful if he could to it. They basd

themselves on single assumptions, of course. We need to look at the

assumptions and see if they are realistic. That is what we'll do. We

have a large number of forecasts of the effect of Brexit. Some of them

are very pessimistic about policy which we do not allow to happen ly

look at it careful and -- c`refully and talk to him about after I have

done so. The Chamber of Comlerce which represents can companhes with

interests in the UK worth $600 billion. To attract those

investments in the year Is ` head will require access to the single

market. Can the Secretary of State tell the House whether he accepts

that figure and if not how luch US business will be at risk if he does

not secure access to the single market? Of course. One of the

reasons, only one of the re`sons why we are seeking to maintain the most

open and barrier-free possible access to the European markdt s to

encourage foreign direct investment. We've had the discussions whth

countries, including the US. I hosts a US congressional delegation, or a

met a delegation which came here and they were very enthusiastic about

Brexit. There are many views on this. Mr Speaker, the Chancdllor has

already announced that the Government will guarantee ET

structural and investment ftnding, signed before we leave the DU. In

addition, projects where UK organisations bid directly for EU

funding will be guaranteed by the Treasury ifs are won before our de--

if the bids are won before our departure. The minister recorded in

part what the Chancellor has said. The Chancellor has also said that

finance would be guaranteed to bidders who projects meet UK

priorities. Does that imply, therefore, that the UK Government

will seek to change the agrded priorities for EU expenditure? Mr

Speaker, over the coming months the Government will consult with all

interested parties, including the devolved administrations whhch

clearly have an interest in this policy to ensure that futurd funding

commitments do represent value for money and are in line with our

strategic priorities. Does ly Right Honourable friend agree that one of

the great advantages of the UK leaving the EU is it will ghve us

greater flexibility over how we spend our regional aid? As we are a

net contributor we'll have `ctually more to spend on these scheles? My

honourable friend is right. This particular area, as in many other

areas of policies does give the UK the opportunity to assess these

arrangements and to make sure they do meet with the priorities of the

UK. Number five, Mr Speaker.

Can I start by congratulating my honourable friend for his election

to the chair of the science and technology committee. We had a very

good debate on this matter xesterday and it was clear that members on all

sides wanted to provide reassurance. The government fully intends to

protect the status of EU nationals living here, the Prime Minister has

been clear on this. We expect UK citizen's writes in other ET member

states to be protected in rdturn. I find it hard to imagine a scenario

where this is not the outcole. At every step we will seek to dnsure

the best possible outcomes for British people at home and overseas.

Following on from my honour`ble friend's question, the government

has made it clear that it it has a desire to control borders and free

movement cannot continue as it does now. Will he reiterate that a degree

of free movement will be necessary to protect key areas of our economy

such as science and technology and particularly research collaboration?

I absolutely recognise the point he makes and the need to strikd that

balance. As the Secretary of State said in his conference speech,

pulling out of the UPN union does not mean pulling up the drawbridge,

we will always welcome thosd of the skills, drive and expertise to make

our nation better still. If we are going to win in the global

marketplace, we will win thd global battle for talent. We will `lways be

one of the most welcoming places on earth, and it will remain so. It was

is particularly true in are`s such as science and technology, the UK is

a science supervisor want to make it stay that where. As well as ensuring

that British pensioners livhng in other EU countries retain the right

to remain there, will he make sure that their pensions are protected on

the terms they currently Receive them? This is something that we will

want to secure through negotiations. want to secure through negotiations.

We are working on the basis that what is fair for UK citizens in the

EU will also be fair the other way round. The most recent censts

indicates that 1588 of my constituents were born in other EU

countries. From personal experience I know they include doctors,

dentists, teachers, nurses, home care and residential workers,

teachers and many more. White is the government not -- why the government

able to give guarantees on the right of bankers but not my consthtuents?

We are clear it is important to maintain the right of EU citizens in

the UK and UK citizens in the EU and we will continue to do this to the

negotiations. The minister hs seeking to brush away the concerns

that exist on this issue. L`st month the British Chambers of Comlerce

reported that 41% of companhes had said their staff had expressed

uncertainty on their future, EU staff in our universities who make

up 15% of academics are considering their position, and NHS England s

Chief Executive has called darly reassurance for the future of EU

workers. Will the government simply resolve uncertainty by commhtting to

implement the decision on this house and say that EU nationals h`ve the

right to remain? The governlent recognises the enormous contribution

of EU citizens to our health service, business and we nedd to

make sure they're rights at addicted but we need to do so through

negotiation. -- their rights are protected. Why was the Chancellor

yesterday in front of the sdlect committee able to give a solid

guarantee for the travel right bankers but he is not able to do it

for hard-working citizens? H think he might have been inadvertdntly

misrepresenting the comments. The Chancellor was making clear that his

role to advocate in the polhcy discussions to come on this with the

Home Office and other departments, he was not doing as he says.

Immigration is a reserved m`tter however we are working closdly with

the Scottish Government and we will get the best possible deal for all

part of the United Kingdom `s we leave the EU. We will give the

Scottish Government every opportunity to have their s`y as we

develop the negotiating str`tegy. After the referendum, the former

Justice Secretary said that Scotland could decide its own immigr`tion

policy in the event of Brexht. Was that proposal defender strahght it

at the same time as the Minhster? -- what a proposal thrown out of the

window at the same time as the Minister? We have indicated that

immigration is a reserved m`tter but we will continue to have discussions

with all of the devolved administration including thd

Scottish Government, and thdre will be discussions in due coursd as to

where powers should lie. London is a great global city and we

expect it to continue its to be so. I am sure he will join me in

welcoming the record-breaking jobs figures for London, the lowdst rate

of unemployment in London in our lifetime will. The Secretarx of

State has met with the Mayor of London and we expect to be leeting

with regions across the UK to ensure that their views are taken hnto

account. I am grateful for that answer. I am sure the Minister will

welcome the London is open campaign led by the Mayor of London so can he

give a commitment to with an open mind of the case being developed by

London's business community for a work permit system for London which

would enable us to continue us to recruit the best and brightdst

talent around the world? Thd precise way in which the government will

control the movement of EU nationals and people around the world is

something we will be working on with the Home Office and certainly take

into account representations from London and other devolved areas but

clearly we need to come up with the policy that works alone of the UK. I

am holding a Brexit for next month with local businesses in my

constituency with interests from IT, creative industries, retail and

property. What would the Minister's advice be the local businesses to

engage with Brexit? Would it be to embrace the challenges and

opportunities or follow the opposition leader which is full of

pessimism and then I'll? My honourable -- denial? My honourable

friend is right that we need to embrace the opportunities in the

Brexit process and engage whth businesses so it is excellent that

he is holding this forum and listening to businesses in his

constituency, it is something that we will be doing around the country.

The government's shocking rdcord on tackling air pollution is

well-documented with almost 10, 00 associated deaths in London in just

one year. Given that the government regularly flout EU regulation on air

pollution now, what assurance can the minister give me that once we

urge the exit the European Tnion, the government will not simply

abandon all legal protection on revolution in the capital and the --

on air pollution in the caphtal and country? The government is committed

to air pollution cutting and we have committed ?2 billion as his 201 to

increase the uptake of ultr` low emissions vehicles, support green

schemes and set out a national town to tackle elution in towns `nd

cities. I visited the Institute for Cancer Research and they want to

develop a London cancer hub which I hope the government will support and

they expect to be able to ddvelop two new cancer drugs in fivd years

if that happens. One of thehr concern is that 30% of their

postgraduate come from the DU. What guarantees can the Minister give

that these essential London workers will be able to continue in post and

recruit from the EU in the future? I would prefer him to the answer I

gave earlier, I think this hs something where we want to continue

to attract the brightest and best and we will be making sure, as I

have already engaged with c`ncer charities and abide -- wide range of

organisations, we take their concerns into account as we have

conversations on immigration in the future.

The Prime Minister is clear that we want the most open and free access

possible. All countries havd access to the single market, the qtestion

is on what terms and to what extent. We are seeking a bespoke outcomes

with terms of trading with `nd operating within the Europe`n

market. As one of the world's largest economies, we will

confidently negotiate the rhght deals England, Scotland, Wales and

Northern Ireland and we are acutely aware of the significant tr`ding

links between Ireland and Northern Ireland and are intended to ensure a

smooth transition. The Secrdtary of State's answers suggest that nothing

has been set in stone. With that in mind, and given the importance of

the single market membership to the island economy, will the Secretary

of State commit to exploring ways in which Northern Ireland can remain in

the single market in the evdntuality that but leaves because of the

importance of that market to our business? I have already colmitted

to extensive work to ensure that we keep an open border between the

north and south, that we mahntain common travel areas and maintain the

most effective possible open market that we can achieve. Within that, I

do not intend at that point to specify any particular outcome. The

Remain campaign were perfectly clear that we would have to leave the

single market. On the important questions here whether the French

wish to sell off wine withott Paris, whether the Germans wish to sell off

Carl without tariffs, and whether or not all of Europe wishes to continue

its current level of access to the city? My friend makes a verx

important point and when thd Prime Minister is at the European Council

tonight and tomorrow she will reiterate what you have said many

times already, that we want an outcome which are successful both

for the United Kingdom and the European Union. He makes thd point

that if they do not achieve an open trading relationship, open, free and

barrier free, that will be harmful for European countries and financial

stability is no wants that. Were we to leave the customs union, the 44%

of exporters who export into the EU would face extra costs complying

with the rules of origin whhch the OECD estimates at 25%. Doesn't the

Secretary of State feel that membership of the customs union is

even more important than thd Bishop of the single market? -- melbership?

These are matters which are being set a carefully. I will makd the

point that if she looks at the various other countries, all of them

smaller than us, they are not good models, around the unit European

Union, we have got Turkey and Norway outside the customs unit whhch

manage to trade. Switzerland is outside the custom unit and the

single market. We are looking at the best balance to get the best

outcome. Obviously the Minister cannot speculate on how the

negotiations will go but ond thing we do know, we have already had a

Brexit problem with the pound falling 15% because the Europe,

exports cheaper and import lore expensive, that means more goods

coming into the country -- lade in this country and that is crdating

jobs. The pound has a disadvantage in effect of inflation but ht has

advantages in trading. They are bigger than the tariffs that people

talk about. The member for Rutherford is not standing... She

is! Enlightenment has dawned! Leaving a single market in the hard

Brexit will be catastrophic, and the Treasury estimates the cost of the

UK economy could be ?60 billion wages hit by ?2000 and jobs in

Scotland lost. Considering the Tory manifesto stated that we sax yes to

the single market, can the secretary cast doubt aside and undert`ke to

make good on this? I can undertake to make sure that we get thd freest

and most open trading relathonship with Europe. That is not -- that is

what matters, not hard Brexht or soft Brexit, these amazing terms, we

want the maximum possible access which will encourage job growth and

wealth growth and revenue growth in this country. Membership of the

single market means accessing EU laws, home to accept rulings on the

European Court of justice, still making conservation is to the EU

budget and accepting free movement of people, all of which risd in the

face of what the British people voted for in the referendum. If not

the only question of principle at stake whether or not the EU want to

carry on with tariff free trade in the UK or do they want to commit

economic suicide? He makes ` good point and I reiterate what H said

earlier, our aim is to come up with an outcome which is good for the

United Kingdom and good for the European Union and that acttally is

a free trade area with us. The UK has been a leading player on

environmental policy, setting the international agenda on clilate

change as demonstrated by a Prime Minister's commitment to ratify the

Paris agreement as soon as possible. Britain will take back control of

its laws through the greater appeal bill, any future changes to

environmental changes will be for Defra and this has to decidd. The UK

will continue to be a leader on international incremental

Corporation. The European dhrective on bathing water has been p`rt of a

very good environmental law that has meant that water have cleandd up our

beaches around the country. Can be rest assured that we are not going

to going to row back on environmental laws are good? Not all

environmental laws from Europe are bad. I can see his point but it is

in the UK interest to make sure we have the cleanest possible bathing

water. It will be something for future debates. We will certainly

make sure that we are maint`ining at least the standards that we have

done in the past and I would remind him of our manifesto commitlent to

leave the environment in a better state than we inherited it.

Is the minister not aware that waste, energy, water, we have such

close relationships across Durope and are depent dant on their levels

with us. Many of the people involved in that sector have read thd article

saying with the Brexit is the worst decision since Suez. Does hd agree

with that view? I don't think now is the time to re-fight the referendum,

on which he and I may have been on the same side. What I would say is

that it will be absolutely hn our interests in the future to

co-operate with our neighbotrs on matters of environment, which affect

us all. Thank you, Mr Speaker. Amongst those

who will be most affected bx changes to environmental regulations will be

the agriculture community. Hs my friend aware of significant concern

among that community at the prospect of leaving the single market with

issues involving welfare as well as tariffs. It will not be used as a

make-weight in negotiations with other interests and there'll be

close co-operation with DEFRA colleagues in relation to that? I

can assure my friend there hs close co-operation between our department

and DEFRA and there have bedn meetings with the NFU and

agricultural businesses frol around the UK. Number seven, Mr Spdaker.

A large component of the people who voted to leave the European Union

could be characterised as British industrial working class. It is not

for me to undermine their rhghts. As a Government we will do nothing to

undermine workers' rights. @ll law in this area at the time of exit

will be brought under UK law ensuring continuity. I thank the

Secretary of State for that answer. The part-time worker's regulations

2000 implemented that EU directive that guarantees equal rights for

workers with their full-timd colleagues. Will the Secret`ry of

State guarantee that those rights will not be removed or di lhghted in

anyway -- diluted in anyway when UK leaves the EU. All law, no

exceptions. On that point, employment law is a devolved matter

in Northern Ireland. Under the great repel bill, will that competent will

automatically devolved or hdld in some holding room here before it is

subsequently devolved? The honourable gentleman raises an

important point. That is whx I said last week when talking about the

great repel bill we'll have extensive discussions to ensure that

each appropriate piece of l`w goes to the right place.

Thank you. Number 15. We have engaged with a numbdr of

higher educational instituthons including groups such as unhversity.

Over the next few months we will engage with civil society, hncluding

university through number of round tables. We want to create an

environment in which the UK can be a leader in science and education

There are 4512 students at The University of Edinburgh frol other

EU countries and others involved in research, administration and

teaching at the university do. They not realise this refusal to

guarantee the status of these people in our community is placed hn

jeopardy much of the work of that great institution and is catsing

unnecessary anxious in our community I would refer the honourabld

gentleman to the answers earlier, on the intention to my earlier

comments. EU students applyhng for places in 2017 and 2018 will be

eligible for loans and grants for the duration of their coursd. The

Scottish Government has madd the same guarantees. Number 17.

The Prime Minister has made clear that she will trigger Article 5 by

the end of March 2017. It is in everyone's interests we takd time to

establish a UK approach and clear objectives for negotiations. Equally

the Prime Minister has been clear there'll be no unnecessary delay.

We've been clear we will trhgger when the time is right for Britain.

And that will certainly will, we will give certain where possible for

businesses in Britain other Europeans countries time for

themselves. Will the honour`ble gentleman agree with me this

Government are right to delhver the Brexit that 17.2 million people

voted ford and do it in a responsible fashion that will allow

this to deliver the great ddal for this to deliver the great ddal for

Britain that we know it will deliver? That is exactly right. It

is what the Prime Minister said It is what we intend. I say I doubt it

is what they intend. Has my Right Honourable friend aware that the

house in the last 24 hours has reported that there should be a vote

in this house to debate negotiating guidelines at least in outlhne. Will

he accept that the Parliament as a whole, including the House of Lords,

has to not only respect, but also to accept the verdict of the British

people? And furthermore, it is this elected House to determine hts own

procedures, standing orders and votes?

The honourable gentleman is right. We should respect the will of the

British people. I have not had a chance to look at the Lords report

yet.ly comment on that when I do. As my Right Honourable friend will know

there's been a very important court case heard in the High Court in the

last week. What plans has mx Right Honourable friend drawn up,

including legislation in thd event that he loses that case and that

therefore that it will be this place, including the House of Lords,

that will trigger Article 50, and not the Government using thd royal

prerogative? Let me say gently to my honourable friend, ministers do not

comment on court cases in progress. THE SPEAKER: Topical questions.

Topical question two. Sir. Last week I updated the House on our progress

towards leaving the European Union. I had been clear that the

Government's overarching cl`ims are bringing back control of laws

controls over immigration to the UK. Maintaining strong security

co-operation we have with the EU and establishing the freest possible

market with the EU and the rest of the world. The great repel bill will

end the primacy of EU law. Litre turn sovereignty to the UK. That is

what it was all about, taking control. We will work to ensure the

UK's exit from the EU serves the interests of the whole country. From

citizens to businesses. We will reap the opportunities exit provhdes all

over the world and deliver `n orderly and smooth transition. I

have been clear, as has the Prime Minister, that we will not provide a

running commentary on the negotiations. That would not be in

our interest. We want to build a national

consensus around our position. Discussion our options and ` rieng

of stakeholders. Last week H committed to debates so the House

can air its views. We look forward to communities with the Seldct

Committee. Congratulate the member for Leeds Central as the ch`ir on

that committee. From the mill bakery next door to my office to Khngston

Hospitals thousands of EU chtizens work and live in Kingston. They are

very welcome. What process does my friend have in mind to ensure their

rights are protected post Brexit as well as the British ex-pats living

in the EU. Something which none of the heads of 27 states are xet to

guarantee? As the parliamentary secretary has made very cle`r

already we want to be able to guarantee the right of all those

European migrants. I say for many of them they are in a position of

having indefinitely to remahn or will have by the time we le`ve

whenever it is in two-and-a,half years time or thereabouts. We are

talking about a small fracthon of people. We take it incredibly

seriously and we will seek to get the agreement with the other

European countries that we will uphold their rights and British

citizens rights abroad as soon as possible.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Now H don't know about you Mr Speaker, but the

British people have had enotgh of this being misled over thosd issues.

So, will the Secretary of State tell this House and the country whether

his plan, as it is evolving, it seems, will involve the country

agreeing to continue to makd payments to the European Unhon after

we have left the European Union The honourable lady had a great deal of

trouble keeping the straight face asking that question. She knows it

is not one I am going to answer Mr Speaker, I look forward to being

able to ask him a question with a straight face in anticipation of a

straight answer. Could he perhaps try to tell this

House and the country whethdr his plan how much he estimates will need

to be spent on settling leg`cy commitments prior to the colpletion

of Brexit because the FT estimates, and it is not a leak, this hs an

analysis, they estimate that our historic liabilities could cost up

to ?20 billion. Let me go, I mean, to an more

authorive source. I have no trouble keeping a straight face. Wh`t they

do is not to the country's hnterest from time to time. And the source I

am going to quote is more authoritative than the Financial

Times T European Commission talking about negotiating guidelines and how

it handles negotiations and what it puts in the public domain. The

negotiations and remember this is the commission "the negotiations and

their text are not themselvds public. This is normal for trade

negotiations, not just thosd involving the EU. There are several

reasons for this. A certain level of confidentiality is necessarx to

protect EU interests and to keep chances for a satisfactory outcome

high. When entering into a game no-one is revealing his str`tegy to

his counterpart. This is thd case for the EU." What the opposhtion are

trying to do, Mr Speaker s to put us into a disadvantage position against

the European Union. That is not in the national interest.

Are opportunities being identified potential opportunities for British

business which will arise from our departure? Mr Speaker, my Rhght

Honourable friend raises an extremely important point bdcause

whilst many honourable membdrs seek to identify the challenges of

exiting the European Union, there are of course a great number of them

not least because we will bd in charge of our own affairs and our

own trade policy. For that reason my department and the department for

international trade are eng`ging regularly with businesses, not only

in the United Kingdom, but `round the globe.

Thank you. In Camden, where I live, the bats of business and thd fast

forward programme benefit from the social funds. They employ 400

people, many of whom are disabled. Will the minister outline what plans

he has to protect such fundhng programmes which promote such social

inclusivity? Most EU funds will be guaranteed by the Treasury hn

August, post departure. After that, the decision we will one

for the British people, the Parliament and the relevant

department. I am sure they will take on board what she says. Does the

Secretary of State agree th`t the UK will continue to be a leading global

finance centre outside of the E ? -- EU? Absolutely. We don't think

there's any doubt of that whatsoever. London was rankdd as the

number one finance centre in 20 6. The next highest ranked was not in

the top ten. While being part of the EU market is part of this and we are

looking to maintain the best terms of trade, it is not the onlx factor.

London clearly leads the world in terms of the depth and expertise,

the breadth of services and the links to marketses around the world.

It is in the interests of the UK and the EU this should continue.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I didn't quite catch in the minister's

response earlier, could he say what priority he's giving to enstring

that university and research funding more broadly is not adversely

affected by Brexit and that kurntd research protocols are protdcted?

The honourable lady raises ` very important point. As I said darlier

we want the UK to maintain ` scientific superpower. We h`ve

significant guarantees from the Treasury in the lead up to 2020 It

will be in the interest of future Governments to maintain we remain

one of the scientific centrds of the world. Under Cornwall Counchl

figures only 1300 jobs will be created from ?350 million spend

between now and 2020. Does he agree a more tailored approach cotld

create more jobs in a faster time for Cornwall? Well my honourable

friend makes an extremely ilportant point. As I indicated the Chancellor

has guaranteed structural ftnding efek tick live to 2020. It hs

important that these progralmes deliver value for money. For that

purpose the Government will liaise with the devolved administr`tions

and local authorities such `s Cornwall.

. Given the Secretary of St`te's answer to question one earlher, I am

sure he's well aware that in financial services Merrill Lynch has

1,000 staff in Cheshire but he only has staff in London and Brussels.

Will he commit thod to having staff in his department based in dvery

region of England, so that business can share their views directly with

his staff? What we have done already, ht is not

about the allocation of staff. The simple truth is we have been from

Blackburn to Belfast to Port of Tilbury, very many places in the UK

and we will continue to do so throughout this process and they are

after. Yesterday's employment figures showed that this

government's policies mean there are no people in employment than ever

before. Because the NHS relhes on thousands of EU nationals, hncluding

consultants, cleaners and porters, does the Secretary of State want to

ensure the NHS that they will be able to continue to employ them The

point to reiterate is that the point of my department is to bring the

decision back to the UK so that the British Government and parlhament

can make the decision in thd interests of the UK so you can be

absolutely sure that it will not interpret that interest in somehow

denying staff to the NHS, jtst the reverse. Earlier on the Secretary of

State said there would be no running commentary on negotiations. They

then announced plans to protect financial services. Is this not

prove that the government h`s not a clue what they are doing? -, proof.

As I have said a number of times, I will make as much information public

as possible without prejudice and our negotiating position. Would my

right honourable friend givd manufacturers in the West Mhdlands

in my constituency reassurance that the smooth tariff free oper`tion of

supply chains is of the utmost importance to them? In deed, and we

have been studying in detail the effect on integrated operathons to

make sure it does not jeopardise that. In a written answer to me

yesterday the Secretary of State for Wales talked about the full

engagement of the devolved administrations in the negotiations.

Isn't it in the the best interests of Wales to have the Ministdr in

negotiating team? I met the First Minister and the finance minister on

Tuesday to talk about Wales's interest, that is how we will do it.

Automotive industry in my rdgion have benefited from multinational

industry, what will he do to make sure that that sector -- in that

sector the UK is a great pl`ce to invest?

People in Scotland are scardd of being left on a small island with

perpetual Tory governments hn charge of employment law. Will this

government committed to fully developing employment law? ,-

devolving. We committed that we would not involve employment rights.

I am meeting with my counterpart in Brussels to discuss this. Whll he

make sure that in reviewing agricultural and environmental

registrations they will havd at the front of their minds the nedd for

our farmers to deduce the high-quality food they do profitable

-- in a profitable way? One of the benefits of leaving the EU hs not

only we will be able to adhdre to stringent environmental reqtirements

but we will also be able to tailor them to our needs. Nissan and Jaguar

Land Rover made it clear th`t access to the single market is crucial to

their future investment dechsions in this country. What discussions have

the Minister had with these companies to give them reassurance

that access to the single m`rket is the government's highest prhority?

The Prime Minister had a medting with Nissan this week and the

communiqu that came out after that was extremely positive on both

sides. Brexit has been widely welcomed by leaders in the fishing

industry in the Cleethorpes area. The industry was badly let down in

the negotiations in the 1970s. Can he assured me this will not be the

case in this occasion? He m`kes an extremely important point. The

interests of the British fishing industry are the forefront of the

government's mind and we have had meetings with the Scottish fishermen

and had round table meetings at effort. In Northern Ireland we have

some of the best export bushness in our businesses for agriculttre food

and fishing. With he speak to them and hear what they have to say? I

will be delighted to do so. Can the Leader of the House please give us

the forthcoming business. The business for next week will be as

follows, Monday the 24th of October, second reading of the