0:00:00 > 0:00:01both Houses of Parliament at 11 o'clock this evening. First
0:00:01 > 0:00:12questions for the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
0:00:12 > 0:00:15With permission, Mr Speaker, I will answer questions one and two
0:00:15 > 0:00:19together. I have regular conversations with the Northern
0:00:19 > 0:00:24Irish Government. We recognise the important of the trade on the island
0:00:24 > 0:00:30of Ireland which is worth £4 billion to the Irish economy. We was not
0:00:30 > 0:00:35affect the importance of markets where sales are worth... We are
0:00:35 > 0:00:41committed to protecting both the vital markets.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44Mr Speaker, Scottish Government analysis has shown a note your
0:00:44 > 0:00:50scenario could cost Scotland up to 8.5% of GDP. Government announces
0:00:50 > 0:00:55suggests that Northern Ireland could lose 12% of GDP. She believed any
0:00:55 > 0:01:05analysis she has seen and is it too high a price to pay for?
0:01:05 > 0:01:16Mr Speaker, my friend back has... I think it is important to say that
0:01:16 > 0:01:20the UK Government wants to achieve a good deal for the whole United
0:01:20 > 0:01:28Kingdom that protects the economic integrity of the UK.
0:01:28 > 0:01:34If this Government is so determined to take us out of the customs union,
0:01:34 > 0:01:38how does it see us avoiding a hard border on the island without having
0:01:38 > 0:01:43a hard border in the Irish Sea? The United Kingdom Government has
0:01:43 > 0:01:47been clear we do not want to see a hard border between Northern Ireland
0:01:47 > 0:01:52and the republic. The Irish Government has said the same, as has
0:01:52 > 0:01:54the European Commission. We will make it clear there is no hard
0:01:54 > 0:01:59border. Wales and Scotland's voice is being
0:01:59 > 0:02:04heard loud and clear in the current Brexit negotiations. But of Northern
0:02:04 > 0:02:11Ireland is not because of stress. In answers to two questions for Mac and
0:02:11 > 0:02:14five, the secretary will no doubt say... But if it the executive is
0:02:14 > 0:02:17not restored, what will she make sure that the voice of Northern
0:02:17 > 0:02:22Ireland is heard? And I thank my friend Mike. He will
0:02:22 > 0:02:35note that I have been working hard on talks. The important point is for
0:02:35 > 0:02:38Northern Ireland's voice to be heard in the way that the Scottish and
0:02:38 > 0:02:41Welsh voices heard, and we need a devolved Government in Stormont. Are
0:02:41 > 0:02:46working for that. I welcome the Secretary of State to
0:02:46 > 0:02:51her place and in discussions with the Irish Government. Can she
0:02:51 > 0:02:54confirm whether in the discussions she has reflected with the Irish
0:02:54 > 0:02:57Government and what would happen to cross-border trade if one part of
0:02:57 > 0:03:06the islands joined the Schengen area as the SNP keeps arguing fall.
0:03:06 > 0:03:12We are clear that the economic and constitutional unity of the UK is
0:03:12 > 0:03:17absolutely fundamental to all we are doing and we are determined that we
0:03:17 > 0:03:22will ensure the UK single market, the most important single market to
0:03:22 > 0:03:28Scotland and Northern Ireland, is retained.
0:03:28 > 0:03:36Bearing in mind the UK is island's trading partner with third set of
0:03:36 > 0:03:42employment in Ireland is related to UK exports, can it be outlined that
0:03:42 > 0:03:49this mutually beneficial partnership continues unhindered by petty
0:03:49 > 0:03:55point-scoring, headline grabbing, whims of EU leadership.
0:03:55 > 0:04:01He puts his points more eloquently than I could ever dream to.
0:04:01 > 0:04:07Given that the Irish Republic would lose out most if there is not a good
0:04:07 > 0:04:12deal with the European Union, is the Secretary of State making it clear
0:04:12 > 0:04:16to the Irish ministers that they have got a role to pay with the EU
0:04:16 > 0:04:22and they should be standing up for their countries attitudes and making
0:04:22 > 0:04:25sure they get the good deal in their benefit?
0:04:25 > 0:04:32The reality is not just for Ireland but for all of this EU 27 states
0:04:32 > 0:04:37that a good dale is a win-win for everybody and not having that is a
0:04:37 > 0:04:40lose - lose. There was no one who benefits from not having a good
0:04:40 > 0:04:46deal. The Prime Minister has been clear
0:04:46 > 0:04:51power be no continuing customs union between the UK and EU. Woody
0:04:51 > 0:04:54Secretary of State agree that that means a diverging sub regulations
0:04:54 > 0:04:58between Ireland and Northern Ireland and paragraph 49 of December's
0:04:58 > 0:05:05agreement must now be activated? Will she tell us specific solutions
0:05:05 > 0:05:09to address the unique circumstances of the island of Ireland she is
0:05:09 > 0:05:14proposing? The honourable lady makes the point
0:05:14 > 0:05:17there are unique circumstances in Northern Ireland, unique to anywhere
0:05:17 > 0:05:21across the whole of Europe and those unique circumstances have to be
0:05:21 > 0:05:26reflected. The Government is Mac intentions is weak resolve the
0:05:26 > 0:05:31issues of North South trade through the agreement. We are determined to
0:05:31 > 0:05:39make sure that we respect the integrity of the North- South border
0:05:39 > 0:05:42and we respect the agreements that were made in Belfast nearly 20 years
0:05:42 > 0:05:48ago. May I welcome the glistening new
0:05:48 > 0:05:52team to the front bench and hope the whole house would be saying how
0:05:52 > 0:05:56pleased we are that the predecessor is recovering so well from his
0:05:56 > 0:06:02surgery. May I welcome the honourable gentleman of Northwest
0:06:02 > 0:06:05Cambridge. The eighth minister I have had the privilege of shadowing.
0:06:05 > 0:06:10I do not know if this is to do with my personal behaviour or not, but I
0:06:10 > 0:06:16plead not guilty. Now been new team has had a chance to find themselves
0:06:16 > 0:06:20around, particularly the border and they have studied the issue of the
0:06:20 > 0:06:23electronic border, do they believe that such a frontier is feasible or
0:06:23 > 0:06:29just a fantasy? Can I thank the honourable gentleman
0:06:29 > 0:06:32for his warm words and pay tribute to my predecessor who I am pleased
0:06:32 > 0:06:37to say it is recovering well at home. I know we all wish him a
0:06:37 > 0:06:45speedy recovery. The honourable gentleman refers to the fact of the
0:06:45 > 0:06:49border. We are determined there will be no physical infrastructure that
0:06:49 > 0:06:53and we will maintain things like the Common travel area that has been in
0:06:53 > 0:07:04existence well before the EU. May I thank the honourable member
0:07:04 > 0:07:08for his kind words of welcome. We have worked together on a number of
0:07:08 > 0:07:12issues and this is the first time we will be across the dispatch box so I
0:07:12 > 0:07:16look forward to constructive engagement with him and his team. As
0:07:16 > 0:07:24far as the comment by my honourable friend of Lewis, I would say we are
0:07:24 > 0:07:29emitted to the pledge of 3 million French ships by 2020. To an
0:07:29 > 0:07:32industrial strategy, we are committed to helping young people
0:07:32 > 0:07:37across the country to develop the skills they need. It will be
0:07:37 > 0:07:41appreciated that delivering friendships in Northern Ireland is a
0:07:41 > 0:07:45devolved matter and it is another reason why we needed to see a
0:07:45 > 0:07:52restored executive up and running. Employers in Northern Ireland told
0:07:52 > 0:07:55and affairs committee that while there is no executive in place, they
0:07:55 > 0:07:58are having to play the apprenticeship levy but have no
0:07:58 > 0:08:06access to funds. The apprenticeship levy in Northern Ireland is turning
0:08:06 > 0:08:10into a tax for businesses. Would they agree this is another reason we
0:08:10 > 0:08:15need an Northern Ireland executive in place.
0:08:15 > 0:08:20My honourable friend gives an example of why it is so important to
0:08:20 > 0:08:24have a devolved assembly up and running again. It is important
0:08:24 > 0:08:27decisions such as what she mentioned that need to be taken and that is
0:08:27 > 0:08:34why we need the assembly up and running as soon as possible.
0:08:34 > 0:08:38It is worrying that we hear of the loss of apprenticeships and
0:08:38 > 0:08:42yesterday there was an announcement about Williams industrial services
0:08:42 > 0:08:47in my constituency that went into administration. I am asking what
0:08:47 > 0:08:51help can you give us that we retain manufacturing and the friendships
0:08:51 > 0:08:59that add there? I am sorry to a year about the
0:08:59 > 0:09:05position in the company in his constituency. I'm sure the employees
0:09:05 > 0:09:10will be taking the way of consultation that needs doing in far
0:09:10 > 0:09:16of the employees are concerned. With the promotion of more jobs, it is
0:09:16 > 0:09:19important that the devolved assembly is up and running because they have
0:09:19 > 0:09:23a critical role to play in this. In the absence of that, I can assure
0:09:23 > 0:09:31but my honourable friend are doing all we can. We recently met with
0:09:31 > 0:09:36invest and I to see what is happening and what we can do to
0:09:36 > 0:09:39help. One of the best apprenticeships
0:09:39 > 0:09:44programmes in Northern Ireland is run by Bombardier. Would it be in
0:09:44 > 0:09:49agreement that it is fantastic news for the apprentices that the
0:09:49 > 0:09:53complaint against Bombardier has been soundly rejected?
0:09:53 > 0:09:57Can I thank my honourable friend for the comment and say it is very much
0:09:57 > 0:10:04welcome news that the international Trade Commission unanimously agreed
0:10:04 > 0:10:09with Bombardier and we look forward to working with Bombardier who play
0:10:09 > 0:10:17a critical role in the economy, particularly in Northern Ireland.
0:10:17 > 0:10:25Question four. Mr Speaker, I will answer questions
0:10:25 > 0:10:29together and I will ask for your forbearance because I would like to
0:10:29 > 0:10:33provide a short update on talks that will be slightly longer than the
0:10:33 > 0:10:37usual answer. Over the past weeks, the political
0:10:37 > 0:10:40parties, particular Sinn Fein and DUP, have spoke on the key issues
0:10:40 > 0:10:45that remain to be was oft. They have done so with the continuous support
0:10:45 > 0:10:48and in accordance with the three stranded approach. They were built
0:10:48 > 0:10:53on the progress made in previous talks to choose gaps between them.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56An accommodation between the parties has not yet been reached but there
0:10:56 > 0:11:01is no doubt as to the elective commitments towards the restoration
0:11:01 > 0:11:10of devolution. I'm sure a agreement is achievable.
0:11:10 > 0:11:17She shouldn't be making a statement on this...Can I say to her, every
0:11:17 > 0:11:21party in Northern Ireland say they want a deal but significant gaps
0:11:21 > 0:11:25remain. Can she outline to the House what those gaps actually are and
0:11:25 > 0:11:35what she is doing to bring people together and resolve them?Can I say
0:11:35 > 0:11:38to the honourable gentleman, greatly distinguished in this area and knows
0:11:38 > 0:11:43Northern Ireland politics, we are at a sensitive stage of the
0:11:43 > 0:11:46discussions, I have committed to know running commentary on the talks
0:11:46 > 0:11:51while ongoing. They have been very intense, very detailed, the
0:11:51 > 0:11:58discussions. We can reach it but I will not jeopardise that.Will the
0:11:58 > 0:12:02Secretary of State set a deadline for the talks so the people of
0:12:02 > 0:12:04Northern Ireland can know when they will have some Government back in
0:12:04 > 0:12:11Northern Ireland?I was clear at the outset that the talks were going to
0:12:11 > 0:12:17beat weeks not months. We have been in intensive discussions for two
0:12:17 > 0:12:21weeks now and I am hoping to see a resolution to the matter as soon as
0:12:21 > 0:12:30is possible.Does the Secretary of State agree that in society a party
0:12:30 > 0:12:36that wins an election, forms a Government, don't win an election,
0:12:36 > 0:12:45hold that Government to account, how we know not reached a stage...After
0:12:45 > 0:12:50over a 12 month without devolved Government, we absolutely need to
0:12:50 > 0:12:55have the institutions back up and running in Stormont. The people
0:12:55 > 0:13:00elected their politicians and it is incumbent upon them they deliver. We
0:13:00 > 0:13:05respect the fact this is a cross-party, cross community
0:13:05 > 0:13:08resolution as set out in the Belfast Agreement. I am determined to do
0:13:08 > 0:13:13everything I can to give this the best chance of being successful and
0:13:13 > 0:13:15having devolved Government back up and running and I will not
0:13:15 > 0:13:23jeopardise that.I welcome the commitment to make sure devolved
0:13:23 > 0:13:26Government is restored as soon as possible. Will she agree that one of
0:13:26 > 0:13:30the stumbling blocks is that certain parties, namely Sinn Fein, keep
0:13:30 > 0:13:35coming forward with new demands that were not part of the original
0:13:35 > 0:13:42forming of the executive?I apologise, I would very much like to
0:13:42 > 0:13:46get members much more explicit detail and answers but it would not
0:13:46 > 0:13:51be appropriate at this stage. I will as I always have committed to
0:13:51 > 0:13:55returning to this House as and when I have something concrete to say on
0:13:55 > 0:14:02the matter.Can I warmly welcome the Secretary of State to her place and
0:14:02 > 0:14:07parliamentary undersecretary of state as well? I wish her well in
0:14:07 > 0:14:11her continued efforts to facilitate talks in Northern Ireland. She knows
0:14:11 > 0:14:15we are not the stumbling block to the restoration of the executive. In
0:14:15 > 0:14:18the meantime, would she get a clear commitment to the people of Northern
0:14:18 > 0:14:24Ireland and of his House that the Budget for Northern Ireland will be
0:14:24 > 0:14:27set as soon as possible, given that the head of the civil service said
0:14:27 > 0:14:30we cannot go much beyond the beginning of February without
0:14:30 > 0:14:34clarity about how much departments and public bodies will spend next
0:14:34 > 0:14:38year. The lack of a Budget is affecting services including Health
0:14:38 > 0:14:43and Social Care. The position is intolerable, we need a Budget and we
0:14:43 > 0:14:48need it now.Can I thank the right honourable gentleman for his
0:14:48 > 0:14:52comments. We have had discussions about this issue. People know my
0:14:52 > 0:14:57predecessor took action in this matter and I have obviously had
0:14:57 > 0:14:59discussions with the civil service in Northern Ireland and met
0:14:59 > 0:15:04individuals working in very dedicated public servants doing
0:15:04 > 0:15:08their best to deliver. In the absence of the devolved Government
0:15:08 > 0:15:13this is becoming difficult, we need devolved Government quickly and I
0:15:13 > 0:15:16understand the point he makes. My predecessor did take action on this
0:15:16 > 0:15:23matter and I am sure he will be a sure about that.I am grateful
0:15:23 > 0:15:26insofar as that goes and I look forward to bringing forward
0:15:26 > 0:15:34proposals without... So we cannot have a situation where departments,
0:15:34 > 0:15:39people and services are suffering. Which she agree the recent Sinn Fein
0:15:39 > 0:15:43statement the other day about Northern Ireland being a putrid
0:15:43 > 0:15:54little place justifying IRA murder. The hypocrisy of Sinn Fein
0:15:54 > 0:15:59justifying murder, disrespecting the state of Northern Ireland, preaching
0:15:59 > 0:16:05murder. Would she agree that that sort of attitude must stop? There
0:16:05 > 0:16:11must be respect from Sinn Fein towards Unionists and those who
0:16:11 > 0:16:19believe in the union.We must all think carefully about the words we
0:16:19 > 0:16:28use in public and the way they may be interpreted in public life.May I
0:16:28 > 0:16:31also add my welcome to the undersecretary of state and the
0:16:31 > 0:16:37Secretary of state. And wishing your predecessor a speedy recovery. We
0:16:37 > 0:16:40understand the Secretary of State will not want to give a running
0:16:40 > 0:16:44commentary on the talks but there is enormous frustration in Northern
0:16:44 > 0:16:49Ireland after one year in limbo with successive secretaries of state
0:16:49 > 0:16:53telling us exactly the same thing. Can she at least come from one of
0:16:53 > 0:16:57the big sticking point in the talks is right, not just language rights
0:16:57 > 0:17:02but marriage equality rights. Can she tell us whether she would
0:17:02 > 0:17:06consider taking that issue of the table from legislating for equal
0:17:06 > 0:17:12marriage rights in Northern Ireland as they enjoy in Staffordshire?I
0:17:12 > 0:17:20thank him for his comments. I do not wish to say anything at this stage
0:17:20 > 0:17:26whilst it would be... It is frustrating for all, I know, I am
0:17:26 > 0:17:29frustrated, too. I will of course come to this House and make a full
0:17:29 > 0:17:35statement when I am able to. On the matter of equal marriage, this is a
0:17:35 > 0:17:39devolved issue and should be legislated for in Stormont. That is
0:17:39 > 0:17:43the right place for the legislation to be enacted and I look forward to
0:17:43 > 0:17:48a devolved Government being in place that can do that. He will recall
0:17:48 > 0:17:53when the matter was debated in this Chamber for England and Wales, our
0:17:53 > 0:17:57constituents, that these benches were entitled to a free vote and
0:17:57 > 0:18:03Members of Parliament voted in line with a conscience.She will know in
0:18:03 > 0:18:08Northern Ireland they did have a vote in the assembly on November of
0:18:08 > 0:18:11last year, voting in favour of taking forward marriage equality for
0:18:11 > 0:18:15Northern Ireland. She could show leadership in this issue and respect
0:18:15 > 0:18:18devolution and potentially bring forward the prospect of devolution
0:18:18 > 0:18:25being resolved. Can she also answer a simple question? One which many
0:18:25 > 0:18:28people in Northern Ireland I think we'll want me to ask. What is she
0:18:28 > 0:18:32going to do differently in the weeks and months ahead to show leadership
0:18:32 > 0:18:40and break the deadlock?The talks have resumed. They are detailed,
0:18:40 > 0:18:44intense, the parties are engaged and are working late into the night most
0:18:44 > 0:18:48nights to reach a resolution. I think the politicians in Northern
0:18:48 > 0:18:51Ireland understand the frustration of the people of Northern Ireland,
0:18:51 > 0:18:54they want to deliver for them but there are differences which need to
0:18:54 > 0:18:58be overcome and I am doing everything I can to try and get a
0:18:58 > 0:19:01resolution so that the accommodation can be found and devolved Government
0:19:01 > 0:19:08can be restored.I would like the Secretary of State to take a few
0:19:08 > 0:19:13moments to explain to the House and the people of Northern Ireland about
0:19:13 > 0:19:17the level of engagement with the smaller parties in the Alliance,
0:19:17 > 0:19:24Ulster Unionists. In the recently resumed talks. I have had it
0:19:24 > 0:19:29reported to me that they had a cup of tea and a bit of a chat, said
0:19:29 > 0:19:34thank you and goodbye, see you on Thursday. I can't believe that was
0:19:34 > 0:19:39all the level of engagement. With the Secretary of State give some
0:19:39 > 0:19:44reassurance about the level of engagement with smaller parties?All
0:19:44 > 0:19:48parties have been included within the talks process since the 24th of
0:19:48 > 0:19:52January. I have met all the main party leaders on a number of
0:19:52 > 0:19:57occasions, including the Round Table on Monday and another later this
0:19:57 > 0:20:06week. Unless the two big parties, DUP and Sinn Fein, can reach an
0:20:06 > 0:20:09agreement, we are not able to achieve devolved Government and
0:20:09 > 0:20:12therefore it is right that there is detailed bilateral discussion
0:20:12 > 0:20:16between the two parties. Yesterday, I spoke met all of the party
0:20:16 > 0:20:26leaders. -- spoke to are met.I will answer question six and 11 to go. We
0:20:26 > 0:20:30speak regularly with counterparts in the Irish Government on a range of
0:20:30 > 0:20:35issues. In a joint report from the leader of the European Union in
0:20:35 > 0:20:38December pass European Council, we reached an agreement to maintain the
0:20:38 > 0:20:45Common Travel Area. Also agree that any future arrangements must be
0:20:45 > 0:20:53compatible with the UK Government's commitment to avoiding physical
0:20:53 > 0:20:56infrastructure on the border. We will work closely with the
0:20:56 > 0:20:58Commission to complete legally binding text for the commitments
0:20:58 > 0:21:05made in December.If the Government is committed to regulatory climate
0:21:05 > 0:21:10on both sides of the Irish border, can he tell the House whether he has
0:21:10 > 0:21:19made it easier that the Prime Minister... Customs union,
0:21:19 > 0:21:23membership of the single market? Let's be clear. We have said we will
0:21:23 > 0:21:27be leaving the customs union and leaving the single market as well.
0:21:27 > 0:21:33What we had to do in phase two, engage in negotiations to make sure
0:21:33 > 0:21:38that we have the best possible trade deal we possibly can have with the
0:21:38 > 0:21:43EU. We are committed to having a frictionless border.Will the
0:21:43 > 0:21:47Minister agree that once the United Kingdom leaves the European Union we
0:21:47 > 0:21:53have a duty to protect the rights of Irish citizens within UK law which
0:21:53 > 0:22:00predates written's membership of the EU with the Common Travel Area?An
0:22:00 > 0:22:05excellent point. He is right to say that the Common Travel Area
0:22:05 > 0:22:10reciprocal rights we have between the UK and Ireland predates
0:22:10 > 0:22:14ownership of the EU by either country and they can see him that
0:22:14 > 0:22:23the joint report of December last year -- I can pursue him that the
0:22:23 > 0:22:29Common Travel Area arrangement will remain.A recently published
0:22:29 > 0:22:33European Parliament report has indicated it is possible to have a
0:22:33 > 0:22:39frictionless border after we leave the EU. Does he not become concerned
0:22:39 > 0:22:43about the friction in relationships between the UK Government and the
0:22:43 > 0:22:47Irish Republic, and what, has he got to make about these threats issued
0:22:47 > 0:22:52by the Foreign Minister yesterday that he will block negotiations if
0:22:52 > 0:22:56he does not get legislation reduced to force the Northern Ireland
0:22:56 > 0:23:01assembly to introduce EU regulations?Of the parties involved
0:23:01 > 0:23:06recognise that this is a difficult negotiation, but we are all
0:23:06 > 0:23:10committed to being flexible and to come up with innovative solutions.
0:23:10 > 0:23:18As far as the relationship with Ireland's, it goes back centuries.
0:23:18 > 0:23:22We have an excellent working relationship and hope to continue
0:23:22 > 0:23:25that relationship with the best solution possible for the whole of
0:23:25 > 0:23:29the issue as far as the border is concerned between Ireland and
0:23:29 > 0:23:36Northern Ireland.Order. Let's hear Paul Masterton!Can the Minister
0:23:36 > 0:23:40confirm that whatever arrangements are needed to achieve a frictionless
0:23:40 > 0:23:46border will apply to the UK as a whole?I can pursue my honourable
0:23:46 > 0:23:50friend we are committed to the constitutional and economic
0:23:50 > 0:23:55integrity of the United Kingdom. That is going to stay as it is at
0:23:55 > 0:24:02the moment.Chris Long!Question number seven.
0:24:13 > 0:24:18With permission, I will answer seven and 14 together. My right honourable
0:24:18 > 0:24:22friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has regular
0:24:22 > 0:24:27conversations with colleagues on a range of matters including
0:24:27 > 0:24:31implementation period. We recognise the importance of negotiating and
0:24:31 > 0:24:34implementation period that benefits the whole of the UK including
0:24:34 > 0:24:39Northern Ireland. We welcome the EU's agreement to negotiate...
0:24:39 > 0:24:46Precise time should be made as soon as possible to provide certainty to
0:24:46 > 0:24:50businesses and citizens.It is unfortunate that neither the
0:24:50 > 0:24:57Minister's mellifluous tones nor the answer can probably be heard as a
0:24:57 > 0:25:02result of private conversation. He deserves a more attentive audience.
0:25:02 > 0:25:06I trust they were negotiation in there. Can the Secretary of State
0:25:06 > 0:25:10tell us if she has agreed a concession in the negotiations with
0:25:10 > 0:25:13the Brexit Secretary allowing Northern Ireland to remain part of
0:25:13 > 0:25:20the single market and Customs union while the UK believes in order to
0:25:20 > 0:25:25provide a hard border?Yes or no? Can I just say to the honourable
0:25:25 > 0:25:29gentleman again that the United Kingdom is committed to leaving the
0:25:29 > 0:25:34single market, leaving the customs union and also the integrity of the
0:25:34 > 0:25:43Constitution and our economy remains as it is. It will not be...Tommy
0:25:43 > 0:25:48Sheppard.I think we are all a little confused as to how the
0:25:48 > 0:25:59Government intends to have a hard border. His colleagues are trying to
0:25:59 > 0:26:03have maximum separation from the EU and least possible realignment. As
0:26:03 > 0:26:07he ruled out the idea of there being separate arrangements with Northern
0:26:07 > 0:26:17Ireland covering trade and commerce? Again, the constitutional and
0:26:17 > 0:26:22economic integrity of the United Kingdom remains. I would say that we
0:26:22 > 0:26:26are in phase two of the negotiations. These are matters that
0:26:26 > 0:26:30are currently being discussed. I am sure that all the parties Ireland,
0:26:30 > 0:26:37the UK and the EU recognise the difficulty on the issue and will be
0:26:37 > 0:26:41as flexible and innovative as possible.Does the Minister agree it
0:26:41 > 0:26:45is about time the Government demonstrated that no surrender
0:26:45 > 0:26:54attitude to the people who try to bully us over air flight, stand up
0:26:54 > 0:27:03for the man! Stand up to the EU and let's get on with leaving!May I
0:27:03 > 0:27:07just say that my right honourable friend the Prime Minister will stand
0:27:07 > 0:27:11up to anyone and everyone when it comes to maintaining the best
0:27:11 > 0:27:17interests of the United Kingdom. Finally... Order! Far too much noise
0:27:17 > 0:27:26in the Chamber.The Good Friday Agreement was one of the greatest
0:27:26 > 0:27:30legacies of the last Labour Government. Is the Minister content
0:27:30 > 0:27:34that messing up the border issue could mean that destroying the Good
0:27:34 > 0:27:41Friday Agreement could be one of this Government's legacies?Can I
0:27:41 > 0:27:46just assumed the honourable lady that the joint report published in
0:27:46 > 0:27:51December of this year between the EU Commission and the UK makes it
0:27:51 > 0:27:54absolutely clear that the Belfast