Live Exiting the European Union Questions House of Commons

Hello, good morning and welcome to BBC's permit coverage of the House.

There will be questions taken at around half past 11, there will be a

statement on Hurricane Irma that has caused devastation across the

Caribbean. And then MPs will begin their first big debate on the

European Union Withdrawl Bill. The Second Reading allows MPs to discuss

the general principles of the bills which will repeal the EU act. And

we'll set up current laws. The Bill contains provisions for the new law.

It is controversial because the so-called Henry VIII powers

effectively allow the government to decide on many issues without

Parliament. There'll be a vote late on Monday evening. Join us for a

round up at 11 o'clock tonight. First we have questions about the

Brexit. On exit date, the agreement will

cease to be. We need to think about how we withdraw from that EA

agreement. I think the Secretary of State for his answer. But I'm afraid

that article 127 of the ED EA EEA agreement. It states that we must

give formal notice of at least one year. Can it be confirmed that such

notice would have to be confirmed in order to leave the EEA tee and given

the importance of this decision, that the decision to leave would be

subject to a debate and a vote. Thank you Mr Speaker. There is an

agreement that EEA the agreement will no longer work for the United

Kingdom. We don't need to trigger an article to make sure that it takes

effect. But we are going to look into it. Would you agree that

continued yes, he is right, the simple truth

is that one way to retain the EEA membership would be... We considered

this. We thought maybe as an interim measure, but it seemed to be more

complicated and more difficult. He has given a answer whether we need

to have an EEA bid but will we have a vote for this letter? The heavily

redacted letter wasn't from me. I'm not entirely sure to what he is

referring to. But the answer is no. Would the Secretary of State agree

with me that we've already had a vote and that was on June the 23rd

last year. The British people decided to leave the Union. One of

the things that we cannot all afford to is that we will now be able to do

trade deals with a of countries throughout the world. EEA he makes

exactly the right point. We are in a position be able to make trade deals

once we leave the European Union. That will give us enormous benefit

because as the European Union commission itself admits, 90% of

global trade, world trade will be outside the EU, not within it.

The Secretary of State set out his position on the 15th of August. He

said that transitional agreement should be as close to what we have

now. Two days before that it was said that Britons would leave the

customs union and leave the single market. Both positions can't be

right. Can he tell us what former transitional arrangements that

permit is seeking to negotiate? EEA Well, I've just done a couple of

days ago. I will read this for you. It was

said on Sunday record the ambiguity. It was an approach that served as

well on June the 8th. What was the ambiguity, and tell people you want

to leave, tell people you want to remain. That is the ambiguity of the

gentleman who has just been asking the question. In terms the

transition it is very clear... The transition arrangements will meet

the requirements. Three different requirements. One is to provide time

for the British Government if need be to create new revelatory

agencies. Time for companies to make their arrangements to deal with the

regulations. And time for other countries to make arrangements. For

example for customs, new custom proposals. That is why we need to be

as close as we are to our current arrangement. It doesn't mean that we

are leaving the customs... The material might be better located

there. I asked the secretary has position and he stated my position.

You are welcome to swap places anytime. Given the progress to date

and knowing that we will go back to this sensor, what prospects do you

genuinely believe of the bespoke transition agreements being

inflicted by March 29 -- March 19 cannot? That's a very legitimate

question. I believe that the benefits are twofold. They applied

to other countries as they do to us. We are finding that the commission

is open to discussion of transition. We've only raised it briefly at each

of the last two meetings because it doesn't fit within the four groups

of negotiations. I think there is a very good prospect. Mr Speaker, the

UK already goes beyond the minimum standards and a number of employment

areas. We have a long history of environment protection. We are

committed to safeguarding and protecting both. The EU Withdrawl

Bill will ensure that EU's worker rights and environment protections

will continue to be in place. And will enable those laws to enable the

function effectively. It will be than for parliament and the involved

legislatures to make any future changes to EU derived law. Mr

Speaker, Britain already has one of the most competition friendly

economies in the world. But some people want to use exit to dismantle

workers' rights. And a road workers' rights. And a road

environmental protections. The EU... The EU brought us order. There is a

huge pressure of time. We have to get done the order cleared the EU

brought us from -- Prensa Leave can you assure that their rights

will not be eroded? I am happy to a real sure him. I can reassert the

government's commitment to not roll back workers' rights. It will be for

Parliament in future to determine future role.

May I ask him... I must remind everybody that for 40

what I would say to him that I am invigorated and incited to find that

Parliament is reawakened to the need for proper scrutiny of secondary

legislation. Does he recognize the impending gap

for... How will he leave the environment in a better state than

the way he found it? We are committed to leaving that

environment a better state. She asked how he would find do that? I

very much look forward to the debate on the particular way to do it. I

welcome his comments. He is completely wrong because leaving the

European Union enables us to take many bodies and we will be able to

adapt everything to our own environment, our own landscape. Does

he agree? I do agree. And I am grateful for him for giving me the

opportunity to put on the record that we will up help Leave uphold

all regulations on the environment. This will give them the power to

wipe out workers's rights. Will the government commit to amending the

clause that gives him that power so workers' rights will be protected.

The powers in the Bill have been drawn widely so that this country

can meet the imperative to deliver certainty and continuity and on the

areas that the Honorable gentleman raises, on the withdrawal agreement

in a way that allows us to leave the European Union smoothly and

successfully. I will not give him the day the assurance that he is

looking for. What I will say is that the person responsible for the Bill

will look with the utmost seriousness at the amendments put

forward. But what we will not do... Is except any amendments which

compromises the fundamental purpose of the Bill, which is to deliver

certainty, continuity as we leave and to allow us to make

Thank you Mr Speaker. The reason that the government believes clause

nine is necessary is a huge volume of legislation that would have to be

put through the tidier anomalies and legislation. We have determined to

bring in legislation they do not intend to use. If I want to commit

the buttons of legislation the promise that is just given to the

House. Mr Speaker, I think the honourable gentleman is confusing

cause and seven and nine. What I was at this point is I look forward to

the fullest debate on these matters on the floor of this has become, I

hope, Parliament winning, the committee says... Stage. Isn't the

right way for the honourable gentleman. Turns out to secure the

rights of workers, to secure environmental protections that he

wants, to vote for the EU Withdrawal Bill because if the Labour Party

succeeds in blocking the EU Withdrawal Bill, protections will no

longer exist. I'm most grateful to my honourable friend for his

congratulations and support. I look forward to supporting the future.

You got it right. The best way for mothers of this House which they is

there because it was by delivering a working statute book currently in EU

law is to vote for this Bill and support it. Thank you Mr Speaker. At

the House is aware and the premises are set out, we have prioritised the

stranded negotiations. We recognise the importance of providing swift

reassurance to EU nationals living in the EU... UK and UK nationals of

an EU. We want to protect health care... Thank you for your answer.

Business across my constituency and throughout the country are worried,

not just about retaining staff but about attracting the brightest and

the best. He broke, just outside my seat employs 1000 medical

research... What can you say to assure them that Brexit would

destroy their competitiveness? Thank you. It's an important point. We do

want to make sure that as we look towards the future and we look

towards a new immigration policy after we have left the European

Union, we can meet the needs of businesses and I country. And by the

Home Office has commissioned work to look at all sectors of the economy,

all parts of UK dementia we can continue to the brightest and the

best. Will he reiterate giving EU national stability, including

keeping families together? Absolutely. You are right to raise

this issue. We set out in this paper a fair and serious offer to maximise

certainty for individuals and families. It is important to

remember that this applies equally EU national living in the UK and

many of our own national living across the UK. Some of the proposals

have been considered may apply on the day we leave the European Union

also irrespective of that status of any leaked document, would the

Minister agree that the government should not make any changes that

would prevent them securing a transitional deed done deal to

protect jobs and the economy. I'm not going to be commenting on any

leaked documents but of course it is important that we secure certainty

and continuity for citizens in this process. The Secretary of State

assets are very clearly our to establishing interim arrangements

and we look forward to discussing these issues in the context of the

future partnership which is going to be gradual securing votes on both.

Does my honourable friend agree that striking a positive position with

respect to future migration from the EU is going to be really important,

not just for the labour market, but the one we have skill shortages, all

B1 of the keys to secure the best possible trailed with the EU. My

right honourable and makes a broken point. It is cut from the PM has

said that after we leave the EU we will continue to seek talent from

Europe but we will strike a positive attitude. It is important that in

the interest of bit UK and EU citizens that we get on with these

discussions and give them security. Perhaps they'd have given the

Minister time about answering the question. Which was, of course, a

commitment not to introduce any new migration was from 2019 which will

impact on a transitional deal. We also ask, looking beyond 2019, given

that the government are committed to the principle of reciprocity on any

deal on citizens rights, would he be happy for UK citizens living and

working in the YouTube be subject biometrics greening and finger

printing? He asked very theoretical questions. I'm not going to go into

details answer Saville has been published. What is important that we

negotiate in good faith for UK and EU citizens. That is what we are

doing. Mr Speaker, we have been working with climate, food and rural

affairs of farmers. The government will provide the same funds until

Dublin parliament. Their weapon with a range of stakeholders as

stakeholders as well as evolved... Maintain stability for farmers. We

will also be introducing an agriculture Bill which supports our

view for a self-sufficient farming sector which is more productive and

profitable. To protect our nation 's natural environment for future

generations and deliver on a manifesto commitment to provide

stability for farmers as we exit the EU. Thank you for that response. You

are the Minister is aware that the farming sector is highly requires on

EU labour. I'm happy to tell my honourable friend about the

government keeps its position on seasonal workers under review. Until

we have left the EU, employers in agricultural and food processing

sectors are free to continue employing EU workers to meet their

needs. It remains the government of policy... Lower skill levels while

employers have access from Labour from elsewhere in the EU. I know

that the Home Office told the committee that a new source scheme

could be introduced very quickly in five or six months once the need for

such a scheme had been identified and I hope my right honourable

friend will be reassured that we will have the agility to meet those

needs. I hope that they are listening to the people that they

have in the committee. Evidence that the food would end up rotting in the

ground if we don't have the labour force to dig it up. Can I also urge

the Minister that it is not just about subsidies to farmers, it is

about access to the market and current free access to the market.

Unless that is resolved, our industry will collapse. Of course it

was just secure tariff free access to European markets. And indeed

tariff free access to markets across the world but these are matters for

negotiation. I'm sure she would join me in saying it is in all our

interests are miserably in regards to our future agreement. Went Brexit

give us the chance to design and agricultural policy that will be in

their interests, not in the interests of inefficient farms in

your? Either very right, Mrs Biggar. This is a unique opportunity for the

United Kingdom to craft agricultural policies which suit our unique

needs. I very much hope that that will be to the benefit of the United

Kingdom and our farmers. Welsh farmers and fishermen need assurance

now that UK and Welsh government are working together. How often will

formal ministerial discussions of agricultural and fisheries sectors

in the next three months? Will 's meetings be open to scrutiny? And

very detailed for that detail question. I look forward to

answering her in writing. Number five. A future partnership between

the UK and EU is in the interest of both sides. I am sure we will get a

good deal for the UK on a whole. We should prefer for all outcomes. Even

that no satisfactory outcome can be reached. We are taking out

analytical work to the effects of exiting the European Union. We will

not be publishing any information which would prejudice our

negotiation. Add that the Minister for that answer. It has been said

that the implications of a new deal sub... Scenario would open a

Pandora's box of economic consequences. We could face tariffs,

huge tariffs. Can you assure that we will not walk away from his

negotiations with no Deal? It is our intention to do what is in all of

our interests, the mutual interest of all that nations in the EU and

the UK. We want a deep and special partnership including a trade

relationship. The world trade organisation is one of the great

achievements of liberalism against nationalism and I very much look

forward under which other circumstances we leave, the United

Kingdom playing the fullest part in the improvement and element of the

World Trade Organisation. Desmond Swayne. I hope you still believe

that no deal is better than a bad deal. I would agree with my

honourable friend and I would refer him to what the Chancellor famously

said that what we can't do is accept some kind of punishment deal. I

certainly think that an environment which the United Kingdom trade with

the world in the context of controlling our own tariffs, our own

taxes, domestic regulation is an environment of which we should not

be afraid. Does it remain the ambition of ministers to secure

barrier free access for the UK to the European single market? Is that

the reality the only way to enjoy the benefits of the single market to

comply with the rules of the single market? Mrs Biggar, we recognise the

freedoms of the single market are indivisible and the people of this

country wish for Parliament to set its own laws and wish Apple UK

migration policy which means with their democratic convertible

stoppage of the ambition of ministers secure trade which has an

absolute minimum restrictions and I hope and look forward to doing so.

The question of potentially not having a deal raises the issue of a

transition. The Secretary of State said there was a very good prospect

on that point. Is it not the case to give certainty to business for a

time frame to run from when we leave the when a deal signed? The

government has agreed that the country would benefit from a period

of implementation, but how that period of implementation works and

the destinations which we are heading is still remains a matter

for negotiation. With your permission I will answer questions

six and 20. The Prime Minister has been clear that we will continue to

cooperate on asylum. We will discuss the exact nature of this Corporation

is part of the future partnership. As the Secretary of State said, we

are a country without strong position of tolerance and generosity

and if anything this will will he guarantee that unaccompanied

children who are orphaned don't know where their parents are still have

the right to be reunited with family members no matter who it is living

in the UK once we leave the EU? These are after all the most

vulnerable children. He is right. We should absolutely seek to continue

our generosity towards these children. We have and continue to

unite refugees to their families. We have granted thousands of visas. I

can't set out what we will do. But we will continue to bring families

together. I would call this person. There is a problem with this. That

unaccompanied children have to make it into the EU and Duper list

journeys to to apply under these provisions. Would you consider

extending the provisions if we leave the EU so that wherever you are in

the world, you can apply for those terms cannot it is not really a

question for this department, but we want to establish something to have

a generous policy of family reunion. The UK Government is committed to

maintaining food safety standards. The Food Standards Agency is a

science and evidence based government department responsible

for could Leave protecting consumers. Once we leave the EU,

these rules will be subject to a rigorous study. Our absolute

priority is to continue with protection. And base it on the best

since had Leave scientific information. Do agree that the

standards pose Brexit will be relaxed? The government is committed

to maintaining food standards and it will in future be a matter for the

House of Commons to decide. The Bill that is coming before parliament

will bring EU law as it applies to the UK into the UK law so it

continues to apply. Thank you, Mr Speaker. The government knows that

the UK relies on the EU for a large percent of our food. We grow just

15% of our food the next fruit eared.

15% of our food the next fruit A few don't want UK's family to go

back to eating spam and canned peaches can you ensure assure that

we won't be adding tariffs to food imports connect?

we won't be adding tariffs to food imports She has put together a

fantastical proposal. We will make sure that we continue to enjoy a

wide range of products. Both sides of negotiations are clear and that

we want to achieve the strongest possible partnership. To achieve

this, we have said that both sides must be dynamic and flexible in the

negotiations. We have made it clear that we want to protect the voting

rights of the EU nationals in the UK. It is clear that a deep and

special partnership to see that both parties are strong...

would the government reconsidered rejoining the EEA?

As you heard me say early we have considered this in some detail prior

to the House speech. It is not as easy to negotiate as alternative

arrangements may be. Now that the Secretary of State has accepted that

there will need to be transitional arrangements, is that the

government's policy that the UK will continue to make payments into the

EU budget for that. However long it lasts? I think this must be the 20th

time that I've said that I will not negotiate from here. And he should

know that. What I will say is this, transitional arrangements as we have

described are there for one purpose and that is to ensure, in his words,

we want to avoid the cliff edge. It is not just true of us, it is not

just the UK that has come to this conclusion some time ago as it turns

out, but also the other members of the European Union. One of the

things we have been doing in the last six, nine months is making sure

that they understand from their point of view how valuable to them a

transition arrangement would be. Past contributions we have made, and

funded vital infrastructure across Europe which will have long-term

financial benefit for the European Union, has this been discussed in

the negotiations and used to mitigate our final Bill when the

oceans come to a close? We have made very plain that we respect Leave

expect to respect aren't national limit international obligations. One

of the reasons that emotions have been so tense is that we where...

What assurances can you give to financial services and others that

they now face the cost of uncertainty of three rule books, the

single market, post single market transition and the Post transition

agreement? He makes a good point. We want to assure that there is a

single transition not two. That is why I said that we want the

transitional arrangement to be as close to the current circumstance.

And you will remember also that when I responded to him I said that there

are three right ear. Time for the government to government, time after

for the financial services to accommodate them. Last week Michel

Barnier said it wasn't fair that EU taxpayers to continue to pay for

British taxpayers obligation. Is it fair that British taxpayers should

continue to pay for EU obligations in circumstances where we may not be

benefiting? She raises a point that we have already raised. And I will

raise it with Michel Barnier. At the moment the unions negotiating team

are taking the approach of stressing what are the legal possibilities.

When we get to the end of that, we will make certain decision about

political, and moral response abilities.

The government the flexibility to new heights over the center the next

summer, can the Secretary of State tellers how many more upper limit of

the proposals are just ideas that are going to work in reality.

May I gently say to my right honorable friend, what everybody is

trying to do is try and form some form of consensus and I think we all

agreed that we have a very very short. Of time to negotiate all

manner of no complex matters. May I suggest to him rather than keep

ruling things out, put everything back on the table and look at what

we call Norway for now, what we could simply adopt that the

traditional. Until we come to a final arrangement with the EU. She

can be as gentle with me as she likes. The simple truth is we went

through the process of considering what the best Leave negotiating

situation would be. We came to the conclusion that the route we are

taking which is discussing with member states initially and now with

the union a transition based on maintaining the important components

of what we currently have is the best way to do it.

The Secretary of State and the chance are working together to do

this. Any future decisions on VAT rates will be taken by the

Chancellor as part of normal budget process. Our children go back to

school this way, our parents are still paying a fortune on uniforms.

My constituents have asked me to ask the ministers to raise this fact.

She raises a very interesting fact. I would point out gently to her that

the VAT raised billions of pounds and provides essential services such

as education. I look forward to when we can set

tax rates across a whole range. That is exactly right. With your

permission I will take ten and 17 together. I was delighted to see

this week that universities Oxford and Cambridge have been rated the

top two universities in the world. To maintain the success we are

listening very carefully to the sector. As the eat Leave UK leaves

EU, one of our core objections is to continue collaborating. There's a

paper that explores how we can obtain the subject objective

together. Indeed, we have three of the top universities in this

country. We also have a very vibrant life science. Some have sought not

to give academic students that reasserts and I know that from

talking to people at the University of Sussex and the University of

Cambridge. What reasserts can he -- what reasserts can he give? As it

was made clear, one of our greatest strength of the nature is our

science communities. We are at a very popular destination the world

for science study. I share your ambition for our university sector

to act as a magnet Fratello. What steps are being taken to

amplify and underscore the message that we welcome overseas students? I

refer you to the answer I just gave. I would add that we are going to

examine student migration. International students enhance our

universities. We will continue to welcome them long into the future.

The Prime Minister boasted about the number of Nobel Prize winners, but

met the truth is many of those were migrants. They started their life

elsewhere. They first came here to study in universities. Shouldn't we

be proclaiming that as part of our proud inheritance? We are, and we

will and we will continue to do so. Thank you Mr Speaker. Will you

reassure us that the University of Bristol that he values working with

EU counterparts to make sure that that continues? I will refer you to

the paper that we published this week that set set out very clearly.

We see a huge advantage of continuing that collaboration. With

permission, I will answer oceans 11 and 21 together. As explained

earlier the UK goes beyond the minimum standards and the EU

Withdrawl Bill will not change that. It will be a future for Parliament

to decide on future changes to employment law and of course the

government has committed not to roll back workers' rights. Thank you,

that is very interesting because in 2012 the secretary wrote in

financial times to restore competitiveness we must start by...

It is intellectually unsustainable that workplace rights should remain

untouchable. Isn't it the case you can't trust Tories with workers'

rights? Mr Speaker, it is not the case and I

would say to him once again is that this government is committed not

only to protecting workers' rights but ensuring that workers' rights

keep pace with the changing labour market which is something evidence

by the Taylor report which the government is currently considering.

We have heard very warm words about protecting workers' rights which

will of course be tested over time. But can minister details of the

House how today precise mechanism they will use to work with employers

and trade unions that upon exit Britain does not become the low

standards Council of Europe I maintain that they deserve a time? I

would say this government want to the race of the top. We want to

ensure this country is either at or heading to the top of entry, every

index of prosperity. Congratulations on your appointment. Whether in

relation to workers' rights or more generally, when he agree that have

the British people wanted to be subject to EU law, they would have

voted in Russia's referendum. Does he agree that the Withdrawal Bill

restores powers to Parliament on the vote against it is only a vote to

ensure that the UK automatically keeps pace with EU law with no say

of its own? Of course, my honourable friend makes a very important point

which I am most grateful for. That is an easy way to automatically keep

pace with EU law whatever it might be would have been to of course

remain in the EU. The public has not chosen to do that, and therefore in

future Parliament, Parliament will decide the law and scrutinise any

proposed changes. I warmly welcome the Minister to his place. Does he

agree with me that the Withdrawal Bill is not the Great Repeal Bill,

but it is the great continuity Bill and that workers' rights will not be

undermined by this Bill and in fact they are already in hand compared to

the EU? Of course, my honourable friend is absolutely right. The

original name of the Great Repeal Bill was inspired by the greatness

of its constitutional significance and certainly not because of any

changes it puts in place in relation to workers' rights. As we have said

will continue unchanged. 12, Mrs Biggar. With your permission, I will

answer questions for and 12 together. We aim to get the right

deal for the EU and the UK. We have repeated both parties need to

represent a dynamic approach to each run. That ability and credulity from

both sides is needed and we have already said we are willing to meet

as frequently as required. We want to meet... Reach agreement by the

end of March 20 17. We'll believe the time of interim will be

beneficial. To adjust to new arrangements. Thank you for your

answer. Our future trade relations are vitally important, and it is

good news. Given our unique position with the EU, surely it is perfectly

possible to conclude a trade agreement either time we leave in

March 2019? He is in fact it right and the Bill we are debating late

today is designed with exactly that in mind. The unique nature of the

free trade agreement we are seeking to agree with the European unit is

that we all start from exactly the same standards, and given what has

been happening the previous question, the same standards on

labour law as far as the same standards on other matters.

Actually, better standards on labour law. He is exactly right. That is

the key to getting a fast, effective and wealth creating trade agreement.

People and businesses in Middlesbrough are confident about

the... After Brexit. We'll ignore the ill judged rhetoric coming out

of the commission about teaching is a lesson and focusing instead on a

deal that works for our mutual benefit with Mac I should say that

Michel Barnier... He wanted the say about the benefits of the single

market. That is what we intend to do. It is in neither side interest

for there to be a cliff edge, for businesses or a threat to stability.

The UK and EU will work together during a interim period which will

allow business in the UK and EU to adjust in a smooth and orderly way

to new arrangements. That will minimise... Nowhere is the timetable

for the... Nowhere is the timetable stated. Hourly work the border

between Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland? What have the

discussion is being? What has happened so far? So far... We can

only talk at the moment to the discussions within the European

Union with the European Union negotiating group. We raised, at the

beginning, we were very keen that we started down this as quickly as

possible. We understand that, of course, the conclusion we get will

be dependent, on some extent, that all the other decisions. How many

special arrangements will rely on the border. The commission was

concerned continue with the common travel area would impinge on

European citizens rights. We persuaded them that is not true and

they basically accepted our arguments that. Does the Secretary

of State not realise that every time he gets to this dispatch box and

speaks, the uncertainty in the key areas of wealth creating in this

country feel more and more uncertain about their future. We're

haemorrhaging people. Can't recoup people in the City of London can't

recruit people in universities or manufacturing. For goodness' sake,

get on with the job! Perhaps I will organise a visit with Michel Barnier

for himself. We have taken actions under pen universities. He has in

the Nissan arrangements, financial services. About what we expect to

happen. We have thought about this limitation period with them in mind.

There is plenty of action being taken to improve the certainty and

improve the clarity of where we're going. Mrs speaker, it is important

to be reversed on the timetable but also robust in Brussels demands. We

should not bullied blackmailed. We should be as a nation. I hear you

loud and clear. We have been very clear that the UK and EU will have

financial obligations to each other that will survive our exit from the

EU. We have a duty to our taxpayers to interrogate that position

regressing. That is what we did in the last negotiation. We went on to

another question but we had two different ministers appearing at the

box. He should feel very gratified he dedicated minister for his

enquiry. It is something you can tell his grandchildren in years to

come. Mr Martyn Day. Number one. Very funny. Since our last question

Time, the government has made important progress. In the

negotiations, we found important areas where we agree, for example,

on pensions, health care, Northern Ireland and we are now working on

the areas where we do not. We provided more clarity by publishing

papers on a range of issues. Finally, we will debate the Repeal

Bill which gives a fax to the result of the referendum by providing the

legal certainty that will avoid unnecessary destruction. I believe

it should command the support of all those who wish to have a smooth exit

from the European Union. Leaving the EU single market and customer unit

would be an axis up arms in the UK economy. Especially if the UK fails

to reach agreement with the EU. If you fail to reach a deal with on a

two-year deadline, will the UK remain in the EU? I will not. The

votes of the British people was very clear. They wanted to leave the

European Union. They wanted to take back control on both the Borders and

laws. That will not be possible if we simply stayed inside the simple

market -- single market in the current terms. EU legislation into

divorce in 1993 which... -- I can assure my honourable and

that the government fully supports the UK's products. We will protect

food name. The government is also engaging directly produces on how

best to protect traditional foods when we move the U. EU. What will

replace... Is always somebody cut and paste version of events. I just

wondered whether he ever, even for a moment, things from empty may be

mistaken? LAUGHTER

It will probably be a unique foray at this dispatch box Foreign

Minister Tagamet area. I have said at the beginning this is a

negotiation. It will take time. It will go in directions we do not

expect and they will be give and take in it. That is as close as I

can get. Later we will debate the EU Withdrawal Bill. A very important

piece of legislation that provides certainty and a smooth exit from the

EU. But at the Secretary of State layout for the House and the country

what the consequences would be this Bill not been passed, and does he

agree with me that any member that seeks to block it passing is not

acting in the national interest? I'm afraid he is precisely right. The

purpose of the Bill is to establish continuity for several reasons.

Number one, certainty for business. Number two, the ability to carry out

a deal which will be unique in the world. Number three, under pen or

the rights and privileges privileges that we have promised to our country

down the years including employment rights, consumer rights,

environmental rights. Of those things are vital to national

interest. How should employers in my constituency that I visited in

recent months, today, is * of ending up with carrots or additional

regulatory barriers for export in a single market when we leave the EU?

Those employers should have confidence that it is in everybody's

interests, our interest and all of the nations of the European Union to

deliver tariff free access between our markets and was said to them

they should have a great deal of confidence that we will secure the

deal. The purpose of the EU with Withdrawal Bill is to provide

continuity and a working statute book on the day that we leave. Will

my right honourable friend be absolutely clear that a vote against

this Bill is a vote for chaos and a vote for uncertainty? She's exactly

right. It allows me to reiterate one other point. After all of the talk

on that side of the House has been about changing things in this Bill.

This Bill is about maintaining continuity, about keeping in place

the aims and purposes of all of the European law that we currently have

and will have the day after we leave. The purpose of any transition

arrangement is to avoid a cliff edge and to give continuity and certainty

to the UK economy, but the Chancellor and the trade Secretary

published an article last month saying that during any such period,

the UK would not be in the single market or the customs union. What is

the purpose of a transitional arrangement that undermines the very

stability and continuity it is supposed to achieve? He makes a good

point. The simple truth is, as I have said, we are starting from the

aim of maintaining as much continuity as is necessary that

anything might change in the final settlement. We will do that. Because

we are not in the European Union at that point, legally, we won't be

formally members of the single market and the customs union. We may

well see a customs agreement for the period and a similar arrangement on

the single market provisions. But we cannot make that decision ourselves.

It is for a negotiation with the European Union. Does my right

honourable friend agree that the system of secondary legislation

contemplated by the Bill which we will be debating later today

provides the best and most flexible means of ensuring that the United

Kingdom is left with a coherent statue but when we leave the

European Union? And is he not agree also that he there will be general

bemusement in this country. The opposition as seeking to

To begin by paying tribute to my right honourable friend Thrall the

work he has done in the department. The quality of the work I have

inherited is a testament to the leadership he provided in the

Department, I am most grateful to him. But my right honourable friend

has made a good point. Secondary legislation is a long-standing

mechanism for making detailed changes to the loff, with a scrutiny

procedure for each instrument agreed by Parliament. Since their

introduction, every Government has used that you treat instruments,

every Parliament has debated and approved statutory instruments. The

minister earlier extolled the benefits of World Trade

Organisation. Should there be an ideal scenario. But there is no

automatic wavelength of the single aviation market or open skies, so

what contingency the Minister and his team making to protect our

aviation industry? The honourable lady makes a good point and of

course the Government is well aware of these issues and we continue to

develop our contingency plans, not only in those areas but right across

Government. Constituents of mine at world beating companies are the the

bedrock of those companies' success. Does my right honourable friend

agree that the withdrawal bill must be the opportunity to cement

employee me rides and not erode them? I do agree and I think we have

cantered around this issue and I'm grateful to the opportunity to once

again say the Government is committed to protecting workers'

right and they keep pace with the changing market and nothing in the

Withdrawal Bill will do that. I'm in an indulgent mood. Rachel Maskell.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Businesses are in desperate need of confidence,

so well with the Secretary of State confirmed that he will have the

transition arrangements in place? Because we will have left the

European Union in just over 18 months and they are making their

plans now and need answers to that. Two things, firstly, we will do that

as soon as is feasible within the constraints of the negotiation.

Secondly, if she is concerned about business confidence, the best way to

guarantee stability is to vote for the bill this afternoon. Many

farmers in Wales straddle the border with England. Can my right

honourable friend outline he is ensuring the voice of cross-border

communities are not ignored in discussions over Brexit and

devolution? My honourable friend makes a very good point and we would

be happy to meet with him and his constituents to address this issue.

It is very important that this bill sets out a framework that protects,

new Quay frameworks while we have a conversation with the devolved

administrations as to where they are needed. It is a sensible approach to

protect the interests of farmers and businesses across the UK. Business

question, Valerie vows. But the Leader of the House please give us

the forthcoming business. The Leader of the House. Thank you

Mr Speaker. The business for the week commencing the 11th of

September will be, Monday the 11th of September, conclusion of the

second reading of the European Union Withdrawal Bill, day two. Tuesday

the 12th of September, second reading of the Finance Bill,

followed by motions relating to house business. Wednesday the 13th

of September, Opposition Day, first allotted day. There will be a date

on an opposition motion, subject to be