0:00:00 > 0:00:00in that inquiry finding as to how it relates to his I will be strategy.
0:00:00 > 0:00:07Very happy to meet with the honourable lady.Perfect ending. We
0:00:07 > 0:00:18now come to the ten minute rule motion.Thank you I beg to move that
0:00:18 > 0:00:24leave be given to bring in a about about supervised drug consumption
0:00:24 > 0:00:32facilities. One of my constituents mentioned to me on Monday that
0:00:32 > 0:00:35Glasgow already has drug consumption facilities behind the bushes near
0:00:35 > 0:00:46his flat. They are in his close when it rains and in bench Schettlers.
0:00:46 > 0:00:51Public toilets where drug users can grasp the tiny bit of privacy for as
0:00:51 > 0:00:56long as it takes to prepare and inject their fix. They are often
0:00:56 > 0:00:59alone and too Regevly drug users will die as a result. As a society
0:00:59 > 0:01:04we can and we must do much better than that. There is a real and
0:01:04 > 0:01:11persistent issue in Glasgow. In 2016 there were 2,593 drug-related deaths
0:01:11 > 0:01:18registered in England and Wales. 867 registered in Scotland. 257 in the
0:01:18 > 0:01:21city of Glasgow. We have an ageing population of people with long-term
0:01:21 > 0:01:25problem drug use. They are increasingly run be rabl and require
0:01:25 > 0:01:30particular interventions to reduce harm and encourage them to engage in
0:01:30 > 0:01:41health services. This ageing population who are in deteriorating
0:01:41 > 0:01:48health. Due to their sustained drug use they have aged 15 years greater
0:01:48 > 0:02:01than their actual age. They have above population incidents including
0:02:01 > 0:02:04liver disease, skin infections, depression and psychosis. They are
0:02:04 > 0:02:08vulnerable to overdose and emergency hospital admission. The Scottish
0:02:08 > 0:02:11drugs forum carried out research interviews with a group of older
0:02:11 > 0:02:14people with a drug problem. They feel strongly they have been left
0:02:14 > 0:02:17behind and seen as aest with a of space. There needs to be a
0:02:17 > 0:02:20recognition by this House that the programmes will not necessarily work
0:02:20 > 0:02:25for everyone and that harm reduction and support will be better and more
0:02:25 > 0:02:28worthwhile interventions for a group of people who have not managed to
0:02:28 > 0:02:33eliminate drug use in the proceeding decades. Evidence shows that
0:02:33 > 0:02:36long-term engagement is a positive factor. People in Glasgow who will
0:02:36 > 0:02:41use this facility are not in treatment. It would get them through
0:02:41 > 0:02:43the door and provide social and medical support tole stabilise their
0:02:43 > 0:02:52lives. The report reducing drug-related deaths in recommends
0:02:52 > 0:02:58that.
0:03:08 > 0:03:15The report. Cites evidence which demonstrates the facilities reduce
0:03:15 > 0:03:17injecting behaviours and overdose fatalities. They have been estimated
0:03:17 > 0:03:24to save more money than they cost due to the reductions in deaths and
0:03:24 > 0:03:28HIV infection they produce. They do not increase injection, drug use or
0:03:28 > 0:03:34crime rates. They can provide other benefits such as reductions in blood
0:03:34 > 0:03:38born viruses and primary care and intensive form of drug treatments.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42No deaths from overdoses have ever occurred in such facilities. Madame
0:03:42 > 0:03:48Deputy Speaker Glasgow has a proposal. A well-worked through
0:03:48 > 0:03:51business case which has supported by the Scottish Government. Drug law
0:03:51 > 0:03:54remains reserved to Westminster and Scottish ministers have requested
0:03:54 > 0:03:59permission from the Home Office to allow for the proposal to go ahead.
0:03:59 > 0:04:06It's not yet been granted. It has potential to reduce deaths and
0:04:06 > 0:04:09integrated service and as recommended, not just a shooting
0:04:09 > 0:04:12gallery. It will allow for engagement with the population who
0:04:12 > 0:04:19are not being assisted very well at all. Medically trained staff who
0:04:19 > 0:04:23supervise and minister drugs should it be required. Some may say that
0:04:23 > 0:04:25this is an unnecessary expense. I should say to the ministers it will
0:04:25 > 0:04:29cost them nothing. For Glasgow there is a significant cost in not doing
0:04:29 > 0:04:36this. A cost in treating the latest HIVout break and treat be HepC and
0:04:36 > 0:04:39other conditions. Hospital admissions and ambulance call-outs
0:04:39 > 0:04:43and police time dealing with complaints. The significant cost in
0:04:43 > 0:04:47clearing up discarded needles, residents being charged by a problem
0:04:47 > 0:04:51not of their making and the council picking up the tab for public
0:04:51 > 0:04:58spaces. Housing Associations are clearing up areas of hundreds of
0:04:58 > 0:05:03discarded syringes. A constituent phoned me to say there are syringes
0:05:03 > 0:05:09on her doorstep. Residents can be pricked by a contaminated needle and
0:05:09 > 0:05:12the cost in human lives. We should consider all these cost that is we
0:05:12 > 0:05:16are currently paying in a situation that helps no-one. Heroin assisted
0:05:16 > 0:05:20treatment has been mentioned as an alternative to supervised drugs
0:05:20 > 0:05:26consumption. Room. I would like to touch on limitations for this. I
0:05:26 > 0:05:29would like to stress while this can be a treatment for whom many other
0:05:29 > 0:05:34interventions have failed it's not suitable for everyone. Capacity and
0:05:34 > 0:05:38cost issues. Glasgow city centre is thought to have a population in the
0:05:38 > 0:05:42region of 500 injecting drug users. The Glasgow health and social care
0:05:42 > 0:05:47partnership believe they would have capacity for 40 to 60 individuals
0:05:47 > 0:05:51for heroin assisted treatment and only when the service is running to
0:05:51 > 0:05:56full capacity. That will not happen sometime yet. It requires two
0:05:56 > 0:05:59separate licences to operate, a premises licence in the gift of the
0:05:59 > 0:06:04Home Office and a prescribers licence depending on the premises
0:06:04 > 0:06:08licence. It's not a simple process. It's been developed alongside the
0:06:08 > 0:06:15proposal for a supervised drug consumption facility. To operate
0:06:15 > 0:06:17supervised drug consumption facility requires the consent of the Home
0:06:17 > 0:06:21Office. Operating, working in and using the facility requires
0:06:21 > 0:06:24protection in law.
0:06:36 > 0:06:41Madam Deputy Speaker, the supporters of this bill come from a range of
0:06:41 > 0:06:50parties. In a letter I wrote to the Home Secretary earlier this year, it
0:06:50 > 0:06:52garnered the same cross-party support from across Scotland. I'm
0:06:52 > 0:06:55particularly grateful to the honourable member from Stirling he
0:06:55 > 0:06:58said we should reach out to those in the grip of drug abuse and do what
0:06:58 > 0:07:07we can to help them escape. This is very much a step in that direction.
0:07:07 > 0:07:11Madam Deputy Speaker, in my 11 years as an elected member in Glasgow, the
0:07:11 > 0:07:17issue of drug-taking has been a constant. I have seen various police
0:07:17 > 0:07:20initiatives shunt people around, I have seen the council clear up the
0:07:20 > 0:07:24mess at significant cost and significant risks to their workers,
0:07:24 > 0:07:28I have seen workers at their wits end, worried about what they will
0:07:28 > 0:07:33open the door to in the morning, drug, excrement and used syringes on
0:07:33 > 0:07:36their doorsteps regularly, daily. I have seen vulnerable and desperate
0:07:36 > 0:07:41men and women injecting into their groin and head in public places as
0:07:41 > 0:07:45they have nowhere else to go. And I have listened to heartbreak and
0:07:45 > 0:07:48families who have lost loved ones. If it was their choice, they would
0:07:48 > 0:07:54not have their loved one die alone in a dirty backroom. They would want
0:07:54 > 0:08:01a medical facility where help could be sought. The status quo says none
0:08:01 > 0:08:04of these people well. I cannot accept that this is the best we can
0:08:04 > 0:08:08do. It is unacceptable. We must try something different. I accept that
0:08:08 > 0:08:15it may not work but we must at least try. Today, as international ask a
0:08:15 > 0:08:18question day, my question of the UK Government is this. Glasgow has a
0:08:18 > 0:08:26plan which could reduce drug nuisance to residents, reduce drug
0:08:26 > 0:08:35use. Will the UK Government allow us to get on with this?The question is
0:08:35 > 0:08:38that the honourable member has leave to bring in the bill. As many of
0:08:38 > 0:08:45that opinion is a aye. Aye. I think the ayes habit. The ayes have it.
0:08:45 > 0:08:50They will prepare and bring in the Bill?Crispin Blunt, Mr Alistair
0:08:50 > 0:08:58Carmichael, Joanna Cherry, row and Alan, Liz Lovell Roberts, Paul
0:08:58 > 0:09:09Sweeney, and myself.
0:09:26 > 0:09:34Supervised drug communities Bill. Second reading which day? Friday
0:09:34 > 0:09:3827th of April. Thank you.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. I rise point of order to seek your
0:09:48 > 0:09:51guidance as to what Parliamentary procedure might be available to
0:09:51 > 0:09:56available to me to get a reply from the Home Office on matters relating
0:09:56 > 0:10:00to my constituents. Four months ago to the day I wrote to the then
0:10:00 > 0:10:04Minister of State in the Home Office asking him whether he would review
0:10:04 > 0:10:11the support line at UK VI because most staff were unable to get
0:10:11 > 0:10:15information. Four months later I have received no reply despite many
0:10:15 > 0:10:19reminders. Madam Deputy Speaker, the problem remains in the meantime and
0:10:19 > 0:10:24I feel that this lack of support from UK VI is compromising my
0:10:24 > 0:10:28ability as an elected member to represent my constituents who are in
0:10:28 > 0:10:32very grave circumstances so I seek your direction as to what can be
0:10:32 > 0:10:38done to make the home Department to respond.I thank the honourable
0:10:38 > 0:10:45member for giving me notice that he wished to raise this matter. It is
0:10:45 > 0:10:52obviously unsatisfactory that he has had to wait for such a long time to
0:10:52 > 0:10:56receive a response. But I am sure his concern has been heard on the
0:10:56 > 0:11:06Treasury bench and will be conveyed to the Home Office? Thank you.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10Meanwhile, he has obviously made his dissatisfaction clear and is now on
0:11:10 > 0:11:16the record. With no further points of order, we now come to the general
0:11:16 > 0:11:23debate on European affairs. The theme of the day's debate is
0:11:23 > 0:11:28International Trade and called a minister.Madam Deputy Speaker,
0:11:28 > 0:11:36first, can I welcome that we are having this debate and perhaps
0:11:36 > 0:11:40returning to the tradition of pre-European Council debate here in
0:11:40 > 0:11:45the House of Commons. I used to take part in those twice yearly debate
0:11:45 > 0:11:53and I checked my last contribution made in June 2000 and eight. And I
0:11:53 > 0:11:57reminded myself that I, like so many others on these benches, called for
0:11:57 > 0:12:02a new approach in Europe in the immediate aftermath of the Irish
0:12:02 > 0:12:07rejection of the Lisbon Treaty. But the purpose of the day's debaters
0:12:07 > 0:12:12not to dwell on missed opportunities in the past and reflect on what
0:12:12 > 0:12:18might have been had the EU itself reformed. We are here to look to the
0:12:18 > 0:12:22future. The Department for International Trade is that the very
0:12:22 > 0:12:26centre of that bright future. Before we turn to the future of our trade
0:12:26 > 0:12:30with Europe and the negotiations under way, I think it's important to
0:12:30 > 0:12:36take stock of what we have achieved so far. The joint report issued in
0:12:36 > 0:12:44September that other financial settlement just as we said we would.
0:12:44 > 0:12:49It agrees to avoid a hard border in Ireland was respecting the UK's
0:12:49 > 0:12:53integrity which was added one of the Government's priorities for these
0:12:53 > 0:12:57negotiations. And, very importantly, its safeguard the rights of EU
0:12:57 > 0:13:02citizens living in the UK and UK nationals living abroad which the
0:13:02 > 0:13:09Prime Minister has always said was her first priority. Indeed, Madam
0:13:09 > 0:13:12Deputy Speaker, 17% of my constituents in Chelsea and Phil are
0:13:12 > 0:13:17nationals of other EU countries. I have personally put in a lot of time
0:13:17 > 0:13:22and effort in outreach to them. Indeed, my wife is an EU national
0:13:22 > 0:13:26and I can report to the House at the December agreement landed very well
0:13:26 > 0:13:32amongst EU nationals in Chelsea and Phil. Madam Deputy Speaker, Ireland,
0:13:32 > 0:13:37the budget and citizens rights. These are the strong foundations for
0:13:37 > 0:13:39the ongoing negotiations and we should all welcome the progress made
0:13:39 > 0:13:47on them. Of course.Will the Minister acknowledge that there are
0:13:47 > 0:13:51still very serious concerns about what is going to happen to preserve
0:13:51 > 0:14:00an invisible border on the island of Ireland, a border with no physical
0:14:00 > 0:14:02infrastructure, and there is actually seemingly a
0:14:02 > 0:14:05misunderstanding in some parts between what will actually meant by
0:14:05 > 0:14:10the fallback option of full alignment?We have been absolutely
0:14:10 > 0:14:16clear, we will of course be abiding by the December agreement in full.
0:14:16 > 0:14:20Just a reminder, the three priorities that we laid out was a
0:14:20 > 0:14:25strong commitment to avoid a hard border, but also to preserve the
0:14:25 > 0:14:31integrity of the UK market. I would remind her that that is a very
0:14:31 > 0:14:35important market for the people of Northern Ireland, to have access to
0:14:35 > 0:14:40the UK market, and also that no UK Prime Minister could axe that a new
0:14:40 > 0:14:47border down the Irish Sea. We are also making strong progress now
0:14:47 > 0:14:51trading relationships outside the EU. My primary responsibility as the
0:14:51 > 0:14:59Minister for trade policy is that area.Yes, of course. Following up
0:14:59 > 0:15:01from that point, the Prime Minister at Prime Minister's Questions
0:15:01 > 0:15:05repeated her full commitment to the December agreement on Ireland. Does
0:15:05 > 0:15:10that therefore mean when he said no hard border, that means no physical
0:15:10 > 0:15:17infrastructure, I issued -- I assume. Of course I accept there
0:15:17 > 0:15:20will not be a border across the Irish Sea, but does Harry accept
0:15:20 > 0:15:25that if there is no other way of achieving it, we will have the full
0:15:25 > 0:15:30regulatory convergence to which the Government signed up in December?I
0:15:30 > 0:15:33thank my right honourable friend for his intervention. What I would say
0:15:33 > 0:15:38and reiterate of course what the Prime Minister said at Mansion House
0:15:38 > 0:15:41and what you said at Prime Minister's Questions this week of
0:15:41 > 0:15:44course still stands. I refer my right honourable friend back to the
0:15:44 > 0:15:49papers published by the Department for exiting the European Union last
0:15:49 > 0:15:53summer in terms of how a border, a proper border between the two parts
0:15:53 > 0:16:00of Ireland, and the effectuate it through the two possible types of
0:16:00 > 0:16:06customs agreement between the UK and the European Union.Of course. I
0:16:06 > 0:16:12asked the Prime Minister during the statement and I have listened to her
0:16:12 > 0:16:16about paragraph 27 of the December agreement which talks about the
0:16:16 > 0:16:19mapping exercise being undertaken about North-South co-operation. Will
0:16:19 > 0:16:26the Government commit to publishing that mapping exercise?Madam Deputy
0:16:26 > 0:16:30Speaker, of course the Government is undertaking analysis on so many
0:16:30 > 0:16:34different factors involved in this particular arrangement and this
0:16:34 > 0:16:39particular question. We have always made clear our commitment to ensure
0:16:39 > 0:16:44that the House is properly appraised of all other relevant facts when it
0:16:44 > 0:16:48comes to examine the actual withdrawal agreement in due course.
0:16:48 > 0:16:54As are preparing the ground at the Department of International trade,
0:16:54 > 0:16:56Department of International trade ministers have made over 100
0:16:56 > 0:17:00overseas visits in the last year and a half. We have set up 14 trade
0:17:00 > 0:17:04working groups covering 21 countries. These are ones with
0:17:04 > 0:17:07substantial market sums. None of this would have been possible
0:17:07 > 0:17:10without the excellent work of our Department for International Trade
0:17:10 > 0:17:15staff both at home and imposed in 108 countries around the world and I
0:17:15 > 0:17:19would like first of all to put on record my thanks for their hard
0:17:19 > 0:17:24work, professionalism and invaluable expertise. But Madam Deputy
0:17:24 > 0:17:29Speaker... Of course give way.I'm grateful to the Minister for giving
0:17:29 > 0:17:34way and he is right to pay tribute to his department's staff and has he
0:17:34 > 0:17:38need to the comments of the recent former permanent secretary of his
0:17:38 > 0:17:43department of the effect that non-EU trade, if we are to leave the
0:17:43 > 0:17:46European Union, will not be able to make up for the lost trade with the
0:17:46 > 0:17:52EU that we enjoy now? And secondly, can I ask him with regards to the
0:17:52 > 0:17:56Secretary of State, his Secretary of State was part of a campaign which
0:17:56 > 0:18:02promised we could start negotiating new trade agreements with non-EU
0:18:02 > 0:18:06countries as soon as we agreed to leave. Can he tell me how many of
0:18:06 > 0:18:09these are being negotiated right now?First of all, the honourable
0:18:09 > 0:18:16member knows full well that it isn't an either or situation. It is not a
0:18:16 > 0:18:19choice between having trade with the European Union or with the rest of
0:18:19 > 0:18:23the world. The Government's objectives are clear, which is to
0:18:23 > 0:18:26secure a deep and cobranded partnership with the European Union
0:18:26 > 0:18:31whilst still being crucially outside of the customs union to be able to
0:18:31 > 0:18:34pursue an independent trade policy and to secure those trade agreements
0:18:34 > 0:18:40with the rest of the world. In terms of what was said during campaigns,
0:18:40 > 0:18:44all I would say to him is that I believe that the payment of
0:18:44 > 0:18:47International Trade has the capability in place, we have built
0:18:47 > 0:18:52up the department to make sure that we are able to, I mentioned the 14
0:18:52 > 0:18:56trade working groups, we are clearly not able to carry out a tray biggish
0:18:56 > 0:19:01nation whilst we are still members of the European Union. So at the
0:19:01 > 0:19:04same hand, he seems to be a demanding that we are having these
0:19:04 > 0:19:08negotiations and B, saying that we should stay in the European Union,
0:19:08 > 0:19:11which would prevent us from having the negotiations on the first place.
0:19:11 > 0:19:17I give way to my honourable friend. I begged my honourable friend for
0:19:17 > 0:19:24giving way. Does he agree with me that given the incredible depth and
0:19:24 > 0:19:30complexity of the UK's trade with Europe, there is no off-the-shelf
0:19:30 > 0:19:33solution from any other trade relationship that fits? And were on
0:19:33 > 0:19:38the issue of what happens at our customs, does he agree that if we
0:19:38 > 0:19:43are to have this frictionless trade, there is clearly going to need to be
0:19:43 > 0:19:48some form of agreement for what happens at our customs, such as a
0:19:48 > 0:19:52partnership or another type of agreement butter I thank my
0:19:52 > 0:19:57honourable friend for that intervention.She is right. There is
0:19:57 > 0:20:01no off-the-shelf agreement that would be suitable in this case. We
0:20:01 > 0:20:04are clear that we are seeking a bespoke arrangement between the
0:20:04 > 0:20:09United Kingdom and the European Union. Neither something like seater
0:20:09 > 0:20:14or the EEA would be suitable. In terms of a corporation, we are clear
0:20:14 > 0:20:19in seeking to have a good agreement with the European Union that creates
0:20:19 > 0:20:24trade as frictionless as possible as we go forward across all our
0:20:24 > 0:20:29borders, not just the internal border within the island of Ireland.
0:20:29 > 0:20:35Can I take him back to the appearance moment ago of the former
0:20:35 > 0:20:38permanent secretary? When Mr Connelly was interviewed on the
0:20:38 > 0:20:45today programme that morning, so keen worthy presenters to get his
0:20:45 > 0:20:49sound bite about the packet of crisps, they gave no analysis
0:20:49 > 0:20:55whatsoever to his figures which were about 10% awry from those issued by
0:20:55 > 0:20:58the National statistics office. Did the department do any digging into
0:20:58 > 0:21:07where his figures came from?I think my honourable friend tempts me down
0:21:07 > 0:21:11a path which I think I ought to resist in terms of I'm not exactly
0:21:11 > 0:21:15sure what figures the former permanent secretary used, but what I
0:21:15 > 0:21:19am clear run is that the figures are clear. European Union trade is
0:21:19 > 0:21:24extremely important to this country but it is nonetheless a declining
0:21:24 > 0:21:30part of our overall trade, down from 56% of our overall trade in 2006 to
0:21:30 > 0:21:34just 43% today. Madam Deputy Speaker, I'm going to make a little
0:21:34 > 0:21:40bit of progress. We are not working purely on non-EU trade. A common
0:21:40 > 0:21:45misconception is that the de IT is a purely Brexit apartment. Our ongoing
0:21:45 > 0:21:56work encourages export to trade in Europe and outside of it. The
0:21:56 > 0:21:58Department of International Trade has 300 staff across continental
0:21:58 > 0:22:02Europe and I myself have visited 16 European visits to ten European
0:22:02 > 0:22:07countries whilst being in this position as have all of our
0:22:07 > 0:22:09ministerial team including the Secretary of State. We have
0:22:09 > 0:22:14brilliant teams. Brilliant teams in commercial centres right across
0:22:14 > 0:22:20Europe. I give way to my right honourable friend.
0:22:21 > 0:22:27Can we just returned to the comments made by Sir Martin Connolly? I don't
0:22:27 > 0:22:31think the record will be accurate. We have heard mention of a bag of
0:22:31 > 0:22:37crisps. He said that based on his experience, 15 years and beyond
0:22:37 > 0:22:43specifically in the area of trade, was that in effect our country was
0:22:43 > 0:22:46embarking upon a course where we were about to swap the equivalent of
0:22:46 > 0:22:50a three course meal for a bag of crisps. Could my right honourable
0:22:50 > 0:22:56friend help us with this? Has he seen the government's on analysis of
0:22:56 > 0:23:00the various options available to us that show, that even if we get a
0:23:00 > 0:23:05trade deal with every single country with whom we don't have one by
0:23:05 > 0:23:10virtue of our membership of the European Union, which is about 50,
0:23:10 > 0:23:17we would still not be as prosperous as we are now by virtue of our
0:23:17 > 0:23:20membership of the European Union.I thank my right honourable friend for
0:23:20 > 0:23:27that lengthy intervention. What I would say is that there is no such
0:23:27 > 0:23:34analysis, Madam Deputy Speaker, of the kind she describes. What I am
0:23:34 > 0:23:38clear on is it is our objective to maintain frictionless trade with the
0:23:38 > 0:23:43European Union as we go forward. It is our objective to conduct an
0:23:43 > 0:23:46independent trade policy, and to seek a trade agreements when the
0:23:46 > 0:23:51time is right with those partners. It is also our objective is to seek
0:23:51 > 0:23:56the continuity in existing EU trade agreements for the UK, which I note
0:23:56 > 0:24:00the party opposite voted against on the second reading of the trade
0:24:00 > 0:24:06bill, that they are actually opposed to was seeking the continuity of
0:24:06 > 0:24:10existing trade agreements. Martin Depper disfigure... I will give way.
0:24:10 > 0:24:17I am grateful. I would like to go back to the analysis that was
0:24:17 > 0:24:21published by the government, in particular the risk presented by
0:24:21 > 0:24:30nontariff barriers. It was clear in the analysis that even if we had an
0:24:30 > 0:24:35agreement, there would still be damage to the UK economy. Is the
0:24:35 > 0:24:45minister saying that he wants EA plus?Madine Deputy Speaker, I
0:24:45 > 0:24:49understand the intervention board the government has been clear from
0:24:49 > 0:24:53more than a year since the Lancaster House speech, that our objective is
0:24:53 > 0:25:02not to seek an E E A start agreement. It is our objective to
0:25:02 > 0:25:05seek a deep and comprehensive agreement with the European Union.
0:25:05 > 0:25:10The like of which, I would remind my honourable friend, who studies these
0:25:10 > 0:25:16matters very carefully, the like of which was not one modelled in those
0:25:16 > 0:25:21analyses. That was the most important point. I will give a few
0:25:21 > 0:25:25examples of our work around Europe. I promoted the UK defence industry
0:25:25 > 0:25:31in Sweden. Visiting Saab, whose new fighter jet could be worth £1.1
0:25:31 > 0:25:37billion to UK industry. I and my colleagues engaged with the Polish
0:25:37 > 0:25:40government on behalf of UK governments to discuss high-value
0:25:40 > 0:25:47retail opportunities in the Czech Republic. I have addressed Chambers
0:25:47 > 0:25:51of commerce, and my colleagues from the IT have addressed Chambers of
0:25:51 > 0:25:56commerce, right the way across the European Union, Austria, Hungary,
0:25:56 > 0:26:00Bulgaria and others. And I enjoyed making use of language skills when I
0:26:00 > 0:26:10gave speeches in German. The Department of trade's relationship
0:26:10 > 0:26:16with Europe does not just extend to export. The vote to leave the EU was
0:26:16 > 0:26:22not evolved to undermine the EU. It is important to undermine that --
0:26:22 > 0:26:26underline that it is in our interest to have a strong European Union. We
0:26:26 > 0:26:30are continuing to engage constructively in ongoing EU trade
0:26:30 > 0:26:36policy, as we currently are a full and equal member. We are working
0:26:36 > 0:26:40closely with our European partners as well as bilaterally to respond to
0:26:40 > 0:26:44President Trump's decision to impose tariffs on imported steel and
0:26:44 > 0:26:51aluminium. We are committed to ratifying the Ceta agreement which
0:26:51 > 0:26:55provisionally came into effect in September. I was delighted, Madam
0:26:55 > 0:27:01Deputy Speaker, that when we did so we were joined by 86 Labour MPs,
0:27:01 > 0:27:07many in this chamber at the moment, in defiance of their front bench to
0:27:07 > 0:27:10support the EU trade agenda in making sure that seat was passed in
0:27:10 > 0:27:16defiance of the party whip. In 40 -- voting for this important agreement
0:27:16 > 0:27:27with Justin Trudeau's Canada. I have attended four trade ministers'
0:27:27 > 0:27:32foreign affairs councils. The commission has been particularly
0:27:32 > 0:27:38focusing on agreements with South America's union and with Mexico. We
0:27:38 > 0:27:42continue to support the ongoing negotiations were both free trade
0:27:42 > 0:27:46agreements. On Mexico we would like to see progress made wherever
0:27:46 > 0:27:50possible in the negotiations, although we recognise the complexity
0:27:50 > 0:27:54of Nafta renegotiations running in parallel. We will continue our
0:27:54 > 0:27:59support for EU members at trade negotiations and would like to
0:27:59 > 0:28:03emphasise the urgent need to progress the trade component. It is
0:28:03 > 0:28:06essential to keep momentum and achieved a swift political
0:28:06 > 0:28:15agreement. Another high-profile agreement is the EU Japan so it can
0:28:15 > 0:28:19be signed during the Japanese President's visit to Brussels this
0:28:19 > 0:28:24year. As a champion of free trade the UK has been one of the strongest
0:28:24 > 0:28:28advocates, I actually believe the strongest advocate, of this. We
0:28:28 > 0:28:32warmly welcome the work of both sides to reach this agreement, which
0:28:32 > 0:28:37will support global prosperity. We continue to engage constructively on
0:28:37 > 0:28:42EU business and with our European partners, and we continue to push UK
0:28:42 > 0:28:44trade and investment to businesses on the European continent. It is
0:28:44 > 0:28:50important that our trade agreement -- engagement includes Europe,
0:28:50 > 0:28:53because our nearest and largest neighbour will always be of great
0:28:53 > 0:28:58importance. Now I often hear the criticism that trade deals outside
0:28:58 > 0:29:02the EU cannot make up for the loss in EU trade. It has been referred to
0:29:02 > 0:29:07by a couple of interventions earlier. As I say, this is not an
0:29:07 > 0:29:12either or choice. I can assure the House that the government fully
0:29:12 > 0:29:16understands the importance of EU trade. The EU is our largest trading
0:29:16 > 0:29:27partner, 43% of export and 54% imports. This shows the importance
0:29:27 > 0:29:31of making cross-border trade as free and as frictionless as possible.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34That is why it is important that we get our relationship with Europe
0:29:34 > 0:29:44right. And the right relationship... I will give way.Will the future of
0:29:44 > 0:29:52frictionless trade be better than it is now?What I have said is we are
0:29:52 > 0:29:56seeking a good comprehensive, deep, wide trade partnership with the
0:29:56 > 0:29:59European Union, as frictionless as possible. That is why the right
0:29:59 > 0:30:01relationship is this deep, comprehensive and unique free-trade
0:30:01 > 0:30:08agreement with Europe are based on the principles the Prime Minister
0:30:08 > 0:30:13set out throughout 2017, and in her speech a fortnight ago, and opposing
0:30:13 > 0:30:23Labour's latest Brexit policy of keeping the UK in the Customs Union
0:30:23 > 0:30:27with the EU. We want to have the greatest possible tariff and barrier
0:30:27 > 0:30:30free trade with our European neighbours, as well as to negotiate
0:30:30 > 0:30:34our own trade agreement around the world. I give way to the member from
0:30:34 > 0:30:39the Liberal Democrats.In pursuit of this future relationship, can he
0:30:39 > 0:30:43update the House on the progress that has been made in relation to
0:30:43 > 0:30:50the continuity of trading terms, especially in relation to product
0:30:50 > 0:30:56designation orders and geographically identifiable
0:30:56 > 0:30:59products? Last week the Secretary of State for Scotland told me there
0:30:59 > 0:31:04would be absolutely no change and that that can be guaranteed.
0:31:04 > 0:31:09Yesterday, the minister of state at Dev are said absolutely nothing
0:31:09 > 0:31:18could be done. Which is correct? -- Defra.It is a bit rich. On the one
0:31:18 > 0:31:21hand he votes against EU Withdrawal Bill, and then he calls for
0:31:21 > 0:31:27something that is a consequence of that not to happen. That is creating
0:31:27 > 0:31:31a new scheme in the UK which we will be doing in consultation with the
0:31:31 > 0:31:35devolved administrations, to make sure that we continue the protection
0:31:35 > 0:31:41of the UK's 84 registered GIs within the UK. That is the objective of
0:31:41 > 0:31:44this government, which I would hope he would support. I will make some
0:31:44 > 0:31:53progress. I know there have been questions as to why we would want a
0:31:53 > 0:31:56bespoke trade agreement rather than taking one of the shelf, which the
0:31:56 > 0:32:00argument goes would be easier to negotiate. I would like to remind
0:32:00 > 0:32:03the House of the government's reasons for choosing this over
0:32:03 > 0:32:11existing models. And why whatever model you choose, it must involve
0:32:11 > 0:32:16leaving the Customs Union. In Norway style deal may seem superficially
0:32:16 > 0:32:19attractive but will be subject to new rules the commission chose to
0:32:19 > 0:32:24enact automatically and in their entirety with no end point. Most
0:32:24 > 0:32:28importantly, we would have little influence on those rules and No
0:32:28 > 0:32:32vote, which would be too much of a loss of Democratic control, and also
0:32:32 > 0:32:36no guarantee, far from it, that whatever the EU 27 and it would also
0:32:36 > 0:32:40be in the interest of UK business. I will make some more progress. Nor
0:32:40 > 0:32:45should we look to a Canadian style agreement as the answer, even if it
0:32:45 > 0:32:50were easier to achieve a Ceta deal, we start from the unique position of
0:32:50 > 0:32:56regulator ollie alignment with the EU. We start from a position where
0:32:56 > 0:33:00our systems are already the same. It is precisely because the government
0:33:00 > 0:33:04recognises our imported EU trade is, that we must look to an ambitious
0:33:04 > 0:33:07deal rather than starting a relationship from scratch with
0:33:07 > 0:33:12something like Ceta. However, as important as trade with the EU is,
0:33:12 > 0:33:17we must also look outside Europe. The IMF, and this is a statistic you
0:33:17 > 0:33:24will also find in the European commission, 90% of global growth
0:33:24 > 0:33:28will come from beyond the EU. China has an economy the size of
0:33:28 > 0:33:32Switzerland every year. There will be over 1 billion middle-class
0:33:32 > 0:33:41African consumers in the year 2060. Commonwealth GDP is protected to hit
0:33:41 > 0:33:45$13 trillion in two years. These are unprecedented opportunities. Yet
0:33:45 > 0:33:48these opportunities are harder to reach from behind the EU's customs
0:33:48 > 0:33:55wall. Only once we can sign our own independent trade deals can we take
0:33:55 > 0:34:00full advantage of this. Signing those deals means being outside of
0:34:00 > 0:34:07the Customs Union. We only need to look to Turkey to see that being in
0:34:07 > 0:34:11the Customs Union, in whole or in part, can sometimes be the worst of
0:34:11 > 0:34:18all worlds. The EU is currently negotiating a deal with Japan, very
0:34:18 > 0:34:22important to understand this, Madame Deputy Speaker. If it finalises that
0:34:22 > 0:34:27deal, and we are very strongly supportive of that deal, Turkey will
0:34:27 > 0:34:32need to reduce tariffs on Japanese imports. But it will not get
0:34:32 > 0:34:37reciprocal access to the Japanese market. It will have to negotiate
0:34:37 > 0:34:41its own access. But negotiating such access will be more difficult as
0:34:41 > 0:34:45Turkey will have already reduced its tariffs, so it won't are have as
0:34:45 > 0:34:50much to give in return. As the Prime Minister set out repeatedly, we are
0:34:50 > 0:34:56looking for a bespoke agreement. For goods, this will be based on a
0:34:56 > 0:35:00comprehensive agreement of mutual recognition, so products only need
0:35:00 > 0:35:04to be approved once. On services, we have the opportunity to establish a
0:35:04 > 0:35:10broader agreement than ever before. I give way.My right honourable
0:35:10 > 0:35:13friend is very kind and generous in giving way, especially as I am ready
0:35:13 > 0:35:19not helping him. With the greatest amount of respect he knows, as
0:35:19 > 0:35:23everybody else knows, that we will and can achieve all these deals with
0:35:23 > 0:35:30countries like China as a member of the European Union. I have met, by
0:35:30 > 0:35:35way of example, the ambassador from Australia. And of course he will do
0:35:35 > 0:35:41or want to do a trade deal with our great country. But they will be
0:35:41 > 0:35:46looking for the first trade deal to be done with the European Union with
0:35:46 > 0:35:49its 500 million customers. Would he not agree with me it's very
0:35:49 > 0:35:52important that we make all these things very clear to the British
0:35:52 > 0:35:59people? We do trade deals at the moment with countries by virtue of
0:35:59 > 0:36:02our membership of the European Union. The only reason we're leaving
0:36:02 > 0:36:11the Customs Union just to chase unicorn deals we can get in the EU.
0:36:11 > 0:36:14The honourable lady knows her intervention is too long, because
0:36:14 > 0:36:20she said the last time.It was a long intervention. With respect to
0:36:20 > 0:36:24my honourable friend she and I served alongside each other in
0:36:24 > 0:36:31government. The British people have made the decision to leave the
0:36:31 > 0:36:35European Union. It is now the efforts of this government to ensure
0:36:35 > 0:36:41that we have the best frictionless trade deal with the union while
0:36:41 > 0:36:45still take advantage of trade opportunities beyond the EU. That is
0:36:45 > 0:36:51what the objective of the Government is. I really, I have used up 24
0:36:51 > 0:36:55minutes. On services we have the opportunity to establish a broader
0:36:55 > 0:37:00agreement than ever and we recognise we cannot have the rights of single
0:37:00 > 0:37:05market membership such as passporting and financial services,
0:37:05 > 0:37:10just as we understand you can't have all the benefits of single market
0:37:10 > 0:37:19membership without the obligations. But this does not mean she should be
0:37:19 > 0:37:27shackled by existing precedents. The main point to remember is that it is
0:37:27 > 0:37:31strongly in European Union countries' interest to sign and
0:37:31 > 0:37:37agree such a deal. On the day we leave we will become the EU's second
0:37:37 > 0:37:43largest trade being partner. Larger than any of China, Japan or India.
0:37:43 > 0:37:49The commission estimates trade between the UK and the EU 27 to be
0:37:49 > 0:37:55812 billion euros. That is only 8% behind the EU 27's main trading
0:37:55 > 0:38:01partner, the United States. But it is 60% more than China who come
0:38:01 > 0:38:09third. Given the effort the EU has put into deals with the likes of
0:38:09 > 0:38:14Mexico, Vietnam and Singapore, all of which we support, but each of
0:38:14 > 0:38:17which are significantly less important to them than we are, it
0:38:17 > 0:38:23would be odd indeed for them to reject proposals from us. Further,
0:38:23 > 0:38:28both the EU and the UK need to be sending a loud and clear message
0:38:28 > 0:38:33that we are both strong believers in free trade and what message would it
0:38:33 > 0:38:40show if we couldn't agree a free trade agreement? Even this
0:38:40 > 0:38:43underestimates our importance to the EU, it is the type of trade that
0:38:43 > 0:38:47matters not just the volume. Our advantages are in the business
0:38:47 > 0:38:51professional and financial services that other businesses need to grow
0:38:51 > 0:38:56and in pharmaceutical goods that no one wants to exclude. For an
0:38:56 > 0:39:00advanced economy, good financial infrastructure is as important as
0:39:00 > 0:39:05physical infrastructure, even if it is not as obvious. Restricting
0:39:05 > 0:39:13Europe's access to the City's infrastructure would be the act of a
0:39:13 > 0:39:19latter day Beeching. The rest of network could try and pick up the
0:39:19 > 0:39:24slack, but that network and I know because I have worked in sector has
0:39:24 > 0:39:28less capacity and EU businesses cannot connect to the capital market
0:39:28 > 0:39:37that they need. Indeed, the EU talks about a capital markets union. But
0:39:37 > 0:39:43how tenable is this without access to Europe's main capital market. But
0:39:43 > 0:39:46our reputation goes beyond mutual interest. Our membership is one part
0:39:46 > 0:39:53of our relationship with Europe. We can still be neighbours, 30
0:39:53 > 0:39:58kilometres off the coast of France. We will still be in the same core
0:39:58 > 0:40:02organisations that the EU are part of from the European court of human
0:40:02 > 0:40:09rights to the UN to NATO from, the IMF to the WTO. The economic
0:40:09 > 0:40:12security and humanitarian links that hold the international system
0:40:12 > 0:40:16together. Nevertheless to conclude, the department for international
0:40:16 > 0:40:19trade is preparing... I'm going to finish. The department of
0:40:19 > 0:40:22international trade is preparing this country for life outside of the
0:40:22 > 0:40:28EU. We are taking forward trade and customs bills to give as a
0:40:28 > 0:40:32functioning customs regime on day one. As you would expect, these have
0:40:32 > 0:40:35been designed to prepare us for every eventuality, although they
0:40:35 > 0:40:39will be needed regardless of the outcome of our negotiations with the
0:40:39 > 0:40:45EU. They will give us a strong trade remedy regime, free trade does not
0:40:45 > 0:40:48mean trade without rules, but Labour opposed these powers at second
0:40:48 > 0:40:55reading. Our independent trade remedies regime will allow us to
0:40:55 > 0:41:01protect UK industry from unfair dumping or subsidy and balancing the
0:41:01 > 0:41:05interests of UK consumers and businesses, delivered through an
0:41:05 > 0:41:07independent authority and businesses will have the confidence they need
0:41:07 > 0:41:12that it will be impartial and not act against the interests of wider
0:41:12 > 0:41:16industry. I want to make sure this new regime works as well as
0:41:16 > 0:41:21businesses should from the start. We are consulting on which existing EU
0:41:21 > 0:41:25trade remedies we should carry over. I would encourage any business with
0:41:25 > 0:41:31an interest to respond before that consultation closes and for members
0:41:31 > 0:41:38with interests to help publicise this. The taxation cross border
0:41:38 > 0:41:43trade bill will allow us to create a UK trade preferences regime for
0:41:43 > 0:41:48developing country. Also opposed by Labour, the SNP and the Liberal
0:41:48 > 0:41:54Democrats at second reading. The UK is a proud advocate of supporting
0:41:54 > 0:41:57developing countries to reduce poverty through trade and I hope
0:41:57 > 0:42:07Labour will reconsider its stance. This will let us continue the scheme
0:42:07 > 0:42:13of helping countries and removing import tariffs and allowing us to
0:42:13 > 0:42:19explore improvement on the EU's system. Leaving the European Union
0:42:19 > 0:42:24will allow us to negotiate trade deals across the world, but this
0:42:24 > 0:42:26government understands the importance of trade with the EU.
0:42:26 > 0:42:31That is why we are seeking a deep and special partnership with the EU.
0:42:31 > 0:42:35This is the only appropriate option. We across all parties should be
0:42:35 > 0:42:44optimistic that this can be achieved. Thank you.The question is
0:42:44 > 0:42:47the House has considered European affairs. Before I call the spokesman
0:42:47 > 0:42:50for the opposition it will be obvious to the House that a great
0:42:50 > 0:42:57many people wish to speak and we have limited time. There will be an
0:42:57 > 0:43:00initial limit on backbench speeches of eight minutes. Which is likely
0:43:00 > 0:43:08then to reduce. I make this announcement now that members can
0:43:08 > 0:43:13tailor their speeches accordingly. Thank you. It was a year ago
0:43:13 > 0:43:18yesterday that this House voted to give the Prime Minister the
0:43:18 > 0:43:22authority to trigger Article 50. It is almost a year since she did so
0:43:22 > 0:43:27and 20 months since the referendum result. The Government accepted the
0:43:27 > 0:43:33EU time table, and while the cut off point may slip by a week or two, the
0:43:33 > 0:43:35draft withdrawal agreement including the framework for the future
0:43:35 > 0:43:40relationship will have to be wrapped up in just seven months time. We
0:43:40 > 0:43:43welcome the joint report published in December and the progress it
0:43:43 > 0:43:48represented. But the fact remains that the Government is running out
0:43:48 > 0:43:53of time and running out of road. So it is extraordinary that despite the
0:43:53 > 0:43:59scale of task that confronts us the Government have decided the best use
0:43:59 > 0:44:03of our time is two days of general debate, without even the possibility
0:44:03 > 0:44:08of a vote. While we welcome any and every chance to debate Brexit and
0:44:08 > 0:44:18Europe, it is a farcical situation. No date has been set for the customs
0:44:18 > 0:44:22or trade deals. The immigration bill we are told will hopefully be with
0:44:22 > 0:44:26us before Christmas, a year after it was expected, but as the Home
0:44:26 > 0:44:31Secretary made clear it may not even be law by the day we leave. And
0:44:31 > 0:44:37there is no sign of the fisheries or agricultural bills or anything that
0:44:37 > 0:44:47could reasonably be described as a domestic legislative agenda. This is
0:44:47 > 0:44:52an approach known to experiments as "run away." The reason for this is
0:44:52 > 0:44:58obvious. The party opposite remains divide over Brexit and what the
0:44:58 > 0:45:05future relationship with the EU 27 should be. I'm happy to give way.
0:45:05 > 0:45:11Thank you. Let's, can he agree with me, to be honest about this, there
0:45:11 > 0:45:16is some division on these benches, but there is division sill on those
0:45:16 > 0:45:23benches as well. And while the move to a customs union has been
0:45:23 > 0:45:27welcomed, does he anticipate we might see more movement to the
0:45:27 > 0:45:31customs union and accepting that the single market would also be a good
0:45:31 > 0:45:36way to settle it?I thank the honourable lady for her
0:45:36 > 0:45:40intervention. I think we need to be honest about this and an issue of
0:45:40 > 0:45:45this magnitude is bound to create different views in all parties. But
0:45:45 > 0:45:49I would argue that the divisions on this side are nothing like the
0:45:49 > 0:45:53fundamental divisions that are in the Cabinet and on the Government
0:45:53 > 0:45:56benches and certainly the divisions on our side are not preventing
0:45:56 > 0:46:00legislation from being brought forward to allow us to vote on them.
0:46:00 > 0:46:05The Prime Minister's... Minister's... I want to make
0:46:05 > 0:46:10progress. The Prime Minister's speech was an amendment to muffle
0:46:10 > 0:46:21those divisions as provi clarity. It with was a more detail speech and
0:46:21 > 0:46:28devoid of empty slogans No repeat of earlier banalities of Brexit means
0:46:28 > 0:46:33Brexit. The speech started to engage with the hard truths, stressed the
0:46:33 > 0:46:40need for compromise on all sides and conceded trade offs will have to be
0:46:40 > 0:46:46made. As with her Florence speech in September, one wishes the content
0:46:46 > 0:46:49could have been delivered earlier and had it been, I suspect the
0:46:49 > 0:46:55country would have been in a better position today. Judging by the raft
0:46:55 > 0:46:59of cherry and cake met afores we heard, in response to her statement
0:46:59 > 0:47:05on Monday, the Prime Minister's speech may have succeeded in its
0:47:05 > 0:47:11objective of holding together her divided party and giving her a
0:47:11 > 0:47:15degree of room to manoeuvre. But the divisions remain. That is the
0:47:15 > 0:47:20obvious, for if they were healed, we would be considering the report
0:47:20 > 0:47:24stage of the customs or trade bill, rather than having a general debate.
0:47:24 > 0:47:30Make no mistake, those divisions will have to be confronted and the
0:47:30 > 0:47:34sensible majority given the opportunity to shape the Brexit
0:47:34 > 0:47:36process sooner rather than later. Because while the Prime Minister's
0:47:36 > 0:47:40speech was more realistic in important ways, it was still not
0:47:40 > 0:47:44realistic enough. The theme of today's debate is international
0:47:44 > 0:47:50trade and arguably. I will give way. Thank you. On the Prime Minister's
0:47:50 > 0:47:56speech, she said that we will have less access given the hard Brexit
0:47:56 > 0:48:00that the Government is pursuing. Will he agree that less market
0:48:00 > 0:48:05access to our biggest market means fewer jobs, less investment and less
0:48:05 > 0:48:11economic growth?Thank you. I agree. I couldn't have put it better
0:48:11 > 0:48:16myself. It was in the sections relating to customs that were the
0:48:16 > 0:48:18least convincing part of Prime Minister's speech, in contrast to
0:48:18 > 0:48:23other areas there was no attempt to engage with the hard truths what
0:48:23 > 0:48:27about leaving the customs union will mean, particularly with that
0:48:27 > 0:48:30decision on manufacturing and the issue of Irish border. As the House
0:48:30 > 0:48:35knows, the Prime Minister went back to the two propositions the
0:48:35 > 0:48:39Government set out in the paper in August last year, a customs
0:48:39 > 0:48:45partnership between the UK and the EU or a highly streamlined customs
0:48:45 > 0:48:52arrangement, where we would agree to imMr implement a range of measures
0:48:52 > 0:48:56for Northern Ireland. The first untried and untested. By the
0:48:56 > 0:49:00Government's own admission would take at least five years to
0:49:00 > 0:49:03implement and would be ripe for abuse. It was rejected by the EU
0:49:03 > 0:49:11last year. Not least because it would require EU members to reckon
0:49:11 > 0:49:16figure their own national customs systems. It is not blue sky
0:49:16 > 0:49:19thinking, it is pie in the sky thinking. The second option would
0:49:19 > 0:49:25according to the Chief Executive of HMRC take three years to take place
0:49:25 > 0:49:34and would result in friction on the boarders and would require measures.
0:49:34 > 0:49:38The Prime Minister in her speech claimed that both options were
0:49:38 > 0:49:43serious. But they were widely rubbished in the wake of that speech
0:49:43 > 0:49:48and the EU ruled them out as non-starters. The truth is the
0:49:48 > 0:49:54Government have no idea about what to do when it custom and the Irish
0:49:54 > 0:50:01border. The full back in the draft legal Tex that the Northern Ireland
0:50:01 > 0:50:06goes into into a customs union with the south and the border is shifted
0:50:06 > 0:50:13to somewhere in the Irish Sea is unsip -- unacceptable. But so that
0:50:13 > 0:50:18means that the Irish border issue remained unresolved. One part of the
0:50:18 > 0:50:24solution would be as the opposition suggested to negotiate a new customs
0:50:24 > 0:50:31union. It would ensure goods could still be traded with the EU
0:50:31 > 0:50:35tariff-free. The exact terms of such a union would of course have to be
0:50:35 > 0:50:40negotiated. But it represents a pragmatic proposals, reflecting
0:50:40 > 0:50:47current arrangements which has been welcomed by trade unions and
0:50:47 > 0:50:51businesses, including the manufacturers organisation and the
0:50:51 > 0:50:58CBI. A new union would not prevent the UK from trading globally or
0:50:58 > 0:51:03improving our export industry. Just as the EU customs union has not
0:51:03 > 0:51:09accepted Germany making China its largest trading partner. Germany has
0:51:09 > 0:51:19exports four times more to China than the UK. The UK would still be
0:51:19 > 0:51:24able to deal in property and businesses could export to non-EU
0:51:24 > 0:51:31markets. In short there is no question the EU could and would
0:51:31 > 0:51:35increase trade inside a customs union. As the Secretary for
0:51:35 > 0:51:38international trade said in relation to the Prime Minister's visit to
0:51:38 > 0:51:42China.
0:51:42 > 0:51:49A new comprehensive UK the EU Customs Union would acquire the UK
0:51:49 > 0:51:56to adopt a common tariff system with the EU. It is true that we would not
0:51:56 > 0:52:00be able to negotiate independent third-party trade deals. But as many
0:52:00 > 0:52:05honourable members have already mentioned, we need to face some hard
0:52:05 > 0:52:08facts in this area. The notion that future free-trade agreements will
0:52:08 > 0:52:15offset the inevitable economic cost... If I can finish this
0:52:15 > 0:52:21point,... To say that it is simply not an either or question does not
0:52:21 > 0:52:27get to the heart of the question that confront us.Wildie honourable
0:52:27 > 0:52:32member confirmed that when he is saying he wants to stay in the
0:52:32 > 0:52:37Customs Union with the EU, Izzy also able to confirm that he will
0:52:37 > 0:52:44continue to comply with EU state aid and competition law as a condition
0:52:44 > 0:52:48of staying in that the Customs Union? Because I can't find a single
0:52:48 > 0:52:52example of a country that is allowed to stay in the Customs Union while
0:52:52 > 0:52:59disregarding the state aid laws. When it comes to state aid rules, I
0:52:59 > 0:53:03think the honourable lady, and I know she has great expertise in this
0:53:03 > 0:53:07area, I think she has slightly misjudged the fact that as I
0:53:07 > 0:53:10understand that it is not about customs, it is about the elements
0:53:10 > 0:53:15that make up the single market. We have said we would see in principle
0:53:15 > 0:53:18to negotiate protections, clarifications or exemptions were
0:53:18 > 0:53:21necessary. I can't imagine a situation where those exemptions
0:53:21 > 0:53:25would be necessary. As the Leader of the Opposition said some time ago,
0:53:25 > 0:53:28there is nothing in the current state aid rules that would prevent
0:53:28 > 0:53:35us from implementing our manifesto. As Sir Martin Donnelly and many
0:53:35 > 0:53:38honourable members already mentioned, the former permanent
0:53:38 > 0:53:46secretary at the Department of International trade says it is like
0:53:46 > 0:53:50giving up a three course meal for a packet of crisps. The EU constitutes
0:53:50 > 0:53:5543% of exports and 53% of imports. It must be our priority. Increases
0:53:55 > 0:53:58to trade for a new free treat -- free-trade agreements with USA,
0:53:58 > 0:54:05Canada, New Zealand and Australia would... I will make some progress.
0:54:05 > 0:54:11FTAs with the brick countries would be worth just over 2%. Any such
0:54:11 > 0:54:16trade deals, even if they were secured in a reasonably quick time
0:54:16 > 0:54:21frame, would in all likelihood entailed detrimental trade-offs that
0:54:21 > 0:54:30the British public would rightly take issue with.On the point about
0:54:30 > 0:54:33regulation, the government analysis paper outlines opportunities from
0:54:33 > 0:54:38Brexit. It says that across Whitehall they are working on these
0:54:38 > 0:54:46opportunities. Does he not agree this is a code for deregulation? The
0:54:46 > 0:54:49Secretary of State cannot give us any clarification on the
0:54:49 > 0:54:52Environmental Protection Agency.I thank my honourable friend for that
0:54:52 > 0:54:57intervention. That is certainly the fear. I read the same analysis. I
0:54:57 > 0:55:00had to surrender my phone to do so and I found out it was released
0:55:00 > 0:55:07publicly a week later. On -- there are opportunities to deregulate.
0:55:07 > 0:55:10Perhaps the Minister can tell us why they are being the model of what
0:55:10 > 0:55:14they might refer to? One only has to listen to the noises coming from the
0:55:14 > 0:55:19US government on issues ranging from the replacement of the open skies
0:55:19 > 0:55:24treaty to the inclusion of any agriculture in any FTA to get an
0:55:24 > 0:55:29indication of how difficult things could be. That is irrespective of
0:55:29 > 0:55:32who occupies the White House. The prospect of new free-trade
0:55:32 > 0:55:34agreements may give the international trade Secretary
0:55:34 > 0:55:41purpose but they would be good for little else.I want to go back to
0:55:41 > 0:55:45the comments he has made about Sir Martin Donnelly, who I worked with.
0:55:45 > 0:55:49A civil servant of extreme mobility and wisdom. But I think that when he
0:55:49 > 0:55:54makes a reference to the bank would first is the packet of crisps and
0:55:54 > 0:55:57knowledge of what he's looking at to a certain extent are some of the
0:55:57 > 0:56:02gravity models used by the Treasury, where they are looking at the simple
0:56:02 > 0:56:05mathematical trade-off between tariffs with EU and elsewhere. What
0:56:05 > 0:56:11is missed in all of this debate is the ability the UK confine itself at
0:56:11 > 0:56:15the centre of a network of trade deals. For example, a US
0:56:15 > 0:56:18manufacturer needs to see the advantage of moving their
0:56:18 > 0:56:22manufacturing operations to the UK to take advantage of UK Indian trade
0:56:22 > 0:56:31deal, for example, where the trade is better. That is the unknown that
0:56:31 > 0:56:34we are struggling to analyse in order to be able to get the true
0:56:34 > 0:56:39comparison between one type of relationship and the other.I simply
0:56:39 > 0:56:44don't think that stacks up. I listened to Sir Martin's comments
0:56:44 > 0:56:47very carefully. If the honourable gentleman wants to make a longer
0:56:47 > 0:56:50speech, I would be very interested to hear the point he might make. I
0:56:50 > 0:56:53am going to make some progress because there are a lot of people
0:56:53 > 0:56:59who want to come in. A sensible, pragmatic government focused on the
0:56:59 > 0:57:02economic welfare of the country would consider the option of a new
0:57:02 > 0:57:08comprehensive customs union along the lines they -- over suggested. So
0:57:08 > 0:57:12would any government committed, as this government is, to the avoidance
0:57:12 > 0:57:17of a hard border on the island of Ireland, including physical
0:57:17 > 0:57:21infrastructure or related checks and controls. A border that is
0:57:21 > 0:57:26frictionless. Not as frictionless as possible. A border that has checks,
0:57:26 > 0:57:30even, and I quote, very minimal checks, as the Foreign Secretary
0:57:30 > 0:57:34suggested to a business audience last week, is still a border that
0:57:34 > 0:57:37would require some kind of infrastructure and patrols. A
0:57:37 > 0:57:41version of the Canada US border, as the Prime Minister suggested was
0:57:41 > 0:57:46being explored, is simply not good enough. The threat such an outcome
0:57:46 > 0:57:51would pose to the economy and politics of Ireland, as well as the
0:57:51 > 0:57:55daily lives of citizens, are obvious to both members -- members of this
0:57:55 > 0:57:59House. We recognise a new comprehensive customs union in
0:57:59 > 0:58:03itself is not a complete solution to the Irish border issue. To obviate
0:58:03 > 0:58:09the need for physical infrastructure on and checks on the border, and
0:58:09 > 0:58:15uphold the Good Friday Agreement in its entirety on all three stands,
0:58:15 > 0:58:18would be required. That alignment will of course have to be maintained
0:58:18 > 0:58:24over time as EU legislation evolved. That is one of the reasons why we
0:58:24 > 0:58:27need to secure a new agreement that gives us the closest possible
0:58:27 > 0:58:34relationship with the single market. Full access to European single
0:58:34 > 0:58:40market -- European markets. No drop in the standard protections. And no
0:58:40 > 0:58:44prospect of falling behind them in the future. Recognising that our
0:58:44 > 0:58:47future economic relationship depends on a level playing field and the
0:58:47 > 0:58:51same standards that business wants. But when it comes to goods, a
0:58:51 > 0:58:56conversation with EU 27 about full regulatory alignment, and the
0:58:56 > 0:59:00institutional mechanisms that may be required to facilitate them, is not
0:59:00 > 0:59:05possible when the government have ruled out membership of any customs
0:59:05 > 0:59:09union. The idea that a comprehensive system of bejewelled recognition,
0:59:09 > 0:59:14something that even EU member states do not even expect to each other, is
0:59:14 > 0:59:18mistaken. There is no solution to the Irish border issue that does not
0:59:18 > 0:59:21involve some kind of customs union. That is what the government must
0:59:21 > 0:59:26reconsider its redline in this area. If it doesn't, it is difficult to
0:59:26 > 0:59:29see what the government's solution to the Irish border issue, or indeed
0:59:29 > 0:59:36the issue of customs at Dover, might be. This matters, Madam Deputy
0:59:36 > 0:59:39Speaker, because while the government may be able to find some
0:59:39 > 0:59:43of the difficult decisions for now, the issue of the Irish border cannot
0:59:43 > 0:59:48be forged. I am coming to a close. The draft withdrawal agreement
0:59:48 > 0:59:50merely needs to include a political declaration on the future
0:59:50 > 0:59:55relationship. That is all. The details to be hammered out after the
0:59:55 > 1:00:01UK has left the EU. The Irish border issue is an integral part of the
1:00:01 > 1:00:05withdrawal agreement. Without a solution to it, it is difficult to
1:00:05 > 1:00:09imagine how the government secures a transition period or an orderly
1:00:09 > 1:00:15exit. Thank you, Madam Debord is bigger.We now have a time limit of
1:00:15 > 1:00:26eight minutes. I am very pleased to speaking today's debate.I will
1:00:26 > 1:00:33focus specifically on the pension asset management and long-term
1:00:33 > 1:00:38savings industry. 24% of people employed in the UK in the insurance
1:00:38 > 1:00:46sector work in Scotland. Many of my constituency. These industries want
1:00:46 > 1:00:52a deal. No deal means banks, insurance companies and phone
1:00:52 > 1:00:58providers could not provide services across the UK. Contracts for
1:00:58 > 1:01:08derivatives would become unenforceable. They could lose their
1:01:08 > 1:01:12licence to do insurance. Cross-border pension payments from
1:01:12 > 1:01:17the UK into the EU and vice versa could not be paid. It would defy
1:01:17 > 1:01:21common sense not to have a Brexit deal and financial services when the
1:01:21 > 1:01:26insurance and savings sectors are so closely allied and trading services
1:01:26 > 1:01:30are vital to both parties. The UK asset management industry is the
1:01:30 > 1:01:35second-largest the world, managing... Investment funds used by
1:01:35 > 1:01:41pension providers are set up under Irish law and other EU
1:01:41 > 1:01:52jurisdictions. That is over 600 billion euros by UK managers in
1:01:52 > 1:01:58Ireland on behalf of UK investors. In no deal Brexit is unacceptable.
1:01:58 > 1:02:02The penchant and lifetime savings Association was more blunt when it
1:02:02 > 1:02:04said WTO would cause major disruption. On no account could be
1:02:04 > 1:02:09pension fund industry support a regime based on WTO rules. It would
1:02:09 > 1:02:13because economic harm, regulatory barriers and undermine pension
1:02:13 > 1:02:19support services. That is why the industry welcomed the Lancaster
1:02:19 > 1:02:27House speech. If we leave the single market, passporting, a central
1:02:27 > 1:02:34pillar, will end. There are currently 336,421 passport held by
1:02:34 > 1:02:40UK firms. Many hold multiple passports from multiple states.
1:02:40 > 1:02:44Recently published figures suggests the UK insurance figure takes £14
1:02:44 > 1:02:50billion of this each year. We need to start talking about arrangements
1:02:50 > 1:02:59with a transitional period for times to adapt. Primary risk for
1:02:59 > 1:03:08institutions... No equivalence decision has been issued in time. It
1:03:08 > 1:03:11will also affect elements of financial services' infrastructure,
1:03:11 > 1:03:14such as access to clearing spaces or the provision of services to
1:03:14 > 1:03:23clients. That must be a priority. At the end of the day if we want to
1:03:23 > 1:03:27remain and enhance this country's position as a leading global
1:03:27 > 1:03:32financial centre, we will need to regulate it in accordance with the
1:03:32 > 1:03:36highest global standards. That is important not just for UK firms were
1:03:36 > 1:03:39third country institutions such as the US to Hong Kong which cannot
1:03:39 > 1:03:44make use of the system and must establish unauthorised presence in
1:03:44 > 1:03:48an EU state. For this reason, many countries have chosen to base
1:03:48 > 1:03:53themselves in London through a UK subsidiary. We want them to be able
1:03:53 > 1:03:58to continue to do so. We also need to agree success of arrangements for
1:03:58 > 1:04:09passporting. Third country recognition is absolutely vital in
1:04:09 > 1:04:16the process for this needs to be sorted out long before we have left.
1:04:16 > 1:04:20A bespoke mutual recognition agreement which would allow UK
1:04:20 > 1:04:24entities to continue to fulfil roles would be necessary. In terms of
1:04:24 > 1:04:28pension schemes themselves, these are subject to EU legislation as
1:04:28 > 1:04:35institutional investors affected by market regulations, and very
1:04:35 > 1:04:44significantly, directly under the onward placed pension scheme. During
1:04:44 > 1:04:49the negotiation of UK were successful in warding of the threat
1:04:49 > 1:04:52of a regime for pensions, which could have resulted in the bill for
1:04:52 > 1:04:58British business up to 650 billion euros. This remains on the agenda
1:04:58 > 1:05:00for the EU pensions regulator anybody. Everybody knows I would
1:05:00 > 1:05:15like the best possible access but... The worst-case scenario would be for
1:05:15 > 1:05:24pension schemes to find themselves outside of the EU... More broadly, a
1:05:24 > 1:05:27good trade deal is vital to the pensions industry because of its
1:05:27 > 1:05:36significance to employers. A bad Brexit will have huge detrimental
1:05:36 > 1:05:40impact to these centres and put pressures on employers' ability to
1:05:40 > 1:05:48fund schemes. Pension schemes need full access to the global market. So
1:05:48 > 1:05:52they can manage their risks. We need the UK financial services industry
1:05:52 > 1:05:58to remain strong and vibrant as it is today. I have spoken in recent
1:05:58 > 1:06:04debates at Westminster Hall. I will not repeat what I said. I do still
1:06:04 > 1:06:12running of the view that the EU referendum result was decisive was
1:06:12 > 1:06:20not overwhelming. I want a Chris Doak deal. -- a bespoke deal. If we
1:06:20 > 1:06:26need a plan B it cannot be to crash out on WTO terms. I believe the
1:06:26 > 1:06:29Prime Minister should have the maximum flexibility. She needs to do
1:06:29 > 1:06:36the right deal and not be hemmed in by individuals and groups.
1:06:36 > 1:06:41Are they dancing in Clarkston at the thought of Britain leaving the EU,
1:06:41 > 1:06:47no. But they are not taking to their beds. They need practical solutions
1:06:47 > 1:06:58to be put forward. Pragmatism is needed. This is a negotiation, but I
1:06:58 > 1:07:02hope the EU will engage the suggestions and we can at last move
1:07:02 > 1:07:13forward at pace.I'm glad the House is much better behaved today than
1:07:13 > 1:07:17yesterday, we are being observed this afternoon by our colleagues and
1:07:17 > 1:07:22friends from the Parliament of Afghanistan, who I'm delighted to
1:07:22 > 1:07:30welcome to Westminster and I hope that they will find our
1:07:30 > 1:07:33deliberations about Europe inlightening. -- enlightening.Thank
1:07:33 > 1:07:39you. I would like to add our welcome to our colleague and friends from
1:07:39 > 1:07:47Afghanistan as well. I will reflect that we have another European union
1:07:47 > 1:07:51debate and I hop you don't mind me saying I was elected almost three
1:07:51 > 1:07:56years ago and after being appointed Europe spokesman, the referendum
1:07:56 > 1:08:00bill came through. So it has dominated by time here. But that is
1:08:00 > 1:08:05because it is important. Actually almost three years on, I think it is
1:08:05 > 1:08:10fairly safe to say that things are not going terribly well for the
1:08:10 > 1:08:17Government. The EU has brought us a huge number of benefits and I'm
1:08:17 > 1:08:22somebody who has enjoyed some of those benefits to education and the
1:08:22 > 1:08:27abscess from education, regardless of background and financial means
1:08:27 > 1:08:31from freedom of movement which we benefit from terms of being able to
1:08:31 > 1:08:36work and live throughout the EU and our economy benefit, because of
1:08:36 > 1:08:39benefits of people coming to the United Kingdom to live and work as
1:08:39 > 1:08:45well. The member for East Renfrewshire was right in his speech
1:08:45 > 1:08:50to highlight some of the difficulties that financial services
1:08:50 > 1:08:54face in his constituency with this. Actually, this is something I'm
1:08:54 > 1:08:59approached about regularly in my own constituency. Issues where we still
1:08:59 > 1:09:06don't have an answer on areas such as seasonal workers and the food and
1:09:06 > 1:09:09drink industry that relies on seasonal workers and from freedom of
1:09:09 > 1:09:14movement. We have had no clear answers from the Government. This is
1:09:14 > 1:09:18important now, because what we are seeing is with some farmers have
1:09:18 > 1:09:22told me a decline in seasonal workers. What does it mean for crops
1:09:22 > 1:09:26planted in advance for the following years. Many of which need to be
1:09:26 > 1:09:31taken by hand. Business decisions need to be made now for after we
1:09:31 > 1:09:37have left the EU. And there is precious little certainty, precious
1:09:37 > 1:09:40little decision-making about what is going to happen after 29th March
1:09:40 > 1:09:47next year. Crucially, in the harvest period after that as well. There is
1:09:47 > 1:09:53the tourist sector that relies on those seasonal workers and on
1:09:53 > 1:09:59freedom of movement. Higher education and research and we must
1:09:59 > 1:10:04reflect on the fact that our centres of education rely on the excellence
1:10:04 > 1:10:10it has brought by being able to tap into a pool and to be able to tap
1:10:10 > 1:10:16into freedom of movement and the benefits that brings, as well as the
1:10:16 > 1:10:19benefits brought by horizon 2020 and the other means that are so
1:10:19 > 1:10:26important. The biggest employer in my constituency is the University of
1:10:26 > 1:10:32St Andrews. A great deal of people work at universities in the area. It
1:10:32 > 1:10:36is a big industry. It is a big employer. Actually, not only is
1:10:36 > 1:10:43this, are these jobs at the moment and that is important, not only are
1:10:43 > 1:10:46they learning establishments where young people and mature students can
1:10:46 > 1:10:50grow and improve our economy, but it is somewhere that benefits us in the
1:10:50 > 1:10:59years to come as we get those break throughs on issues like dementia,
1:10:59 > 1:11:04dyslexia and helping children have a better educational experience
1:11:04 > 1:11:10through research done. I will give way.I'm grateful. Does he agree
1:11:10 > 1:11:15that it is extraordinary to see a Government so proudly leading the
1:11:15 > 1:11:19country into a situation where we are all going to be so much poorer
1:11:19 > 1:11:23and poorer not just economically, but in the terms he is describing,
1:11:23 > 1:11:27in terms of richness of the relationship we have with other
1:11:27 > 1:11:30countries in research and elsewhere is important and it will be the
1:11:30 > 1:11:35young people, it is their futures that are being closed down in the
1:11:35 > 1:11:40most unforgiveable way.As usual the members makes an excellent and power
1:11:40 > 1:11:44point and the benches opposite would do well to listen to. The benches
1:11:44 > 1:11:48beside her would do well to listen to her. She makes a good point. I
1:11:48 > 1:11:53want to touch upon that point and the finances which she brought up.
1:11:53 > 1:11:58Before I do, I want to talk about the broader impact on public
1:11:58 > 1:12:02services. On areas like access to the single market which is so
1:12:02 > 1:12:07important in term of decreasing red tape. We hear a lot about red tape.
1:12:07 > 1:12:14But a bg access to the single market has reduced red tape. The impact on
1:12:14 > 1:12:19services. Think about our doctors and nurses who come from throughout
1:12:19 > 1:12:32the EU. Dentists as well. It can difficult to get a dentist. There is
1:12:32 > 1:12:38one in Glenrothes made up of EU nationals. The European Medicines
1:12:38 > 1:12:42Agency which is based in London and will be taken away and take jobs
1:12:42 > 1:12:48with it. That is also important. What about cash for public services.
1:12:48 > 1:12:55The honourable lady raised. Now, right now the UK Government is
1:12:55 > 1:12:58talking of finding common ground between the UK and the Scottish
1:12:58 > 1:13:05Government. There is within area where there is common ground and the
1:13:05 > 1:13:09minister's right to look up at that point. But that is in point that the
1:13:09 > 1:13:13Scottish Government and the UK Government agree in their analysis
1:13:13 > 1:13:19that this will be devastating for the economies of both Scotland and
1:13:19 > 1:13:24the United Kingdom. The Scottish Government figures and we were told
1:13:24 > 1:13:31that the Scottish Government figures were not right until the UK
1:13:31 > 1:13:35Government figures agreed with the Scottish figures. For every 1% hit
1:13:35 > 1:13:40on our GDP will be devastating in every scenario that has been set
1:13:40 > 1:13:50out. It has been put that every 1% reduction in GDP could hit tax by 8
1:13:50 > 1:13:54billion. That doesn't even start to address the amount of money that we
1:13:54 > 1:13:59are having to shell out just to leave the EU and reports of 40
1:13:59 > 1:14:08billion pounds and the Chancellor preparing to leave the EU with
1:14:08 > 1:14:23initial costs of three billion pounds. Now, the financial times
1:14:23 > 1:14:29estimate Brexit is costing us a lot. Now if you have less money in GDP
1:14:29 > 1:14:35and less in the tax take, you have less money to spend on public
1:14:35 > 1:14:43services. That is a basic. Now, in Scotland at the moment and there are
1:14:43 > 1:14:46legitimate points on this, the Scottish Government has made changes
1:14:46 > 1:14:50in tax where the majority are no worse off or better off, but there
1:14:50 > 1:14:56are changes in tax that will raise an additional 164 million. I think
1:14:56 > 1:15:05that is welcome. Because that is only a drop in the ocean of the
1:15:05 > 1:15:09amount of money that we will need to try and save our public services
1:15:09 > 1:15:14from the hits that are coming their way and I would be delighted to hear
1:15:14 > 1:15:19if anybody can tell me how they're going to plug the gap in public
1:15:19 > 1:15:24services. Would anybody like to offer an intervention? I didn't
1:15:24 > 1:15:31think so. Well go on.I'm grateful to the member. The whole premise of
1:15:31 > 1:15:37what he is saying is based on figures which do not take into
1:15:37 > 1:15:40account at all what the Prime Minister has set out to achieve,
1:15:40 > 1:15:44which is a special and deep partnership with the EU. The figures
1:15:44 > 1:15:50you quote are the same figures that members campaigned on in the
1:15:50 > 1:15:53referendum and when you predicted there would be recession and the
1:15:53 > 1:15:58economy would fall off a cliff. You were false prophets then and are
1:15:58 > 1:16:04now.Can I salute the member's courage in bringing that up. I
1:16:04 > 1:16:09salute his courage, but I'm using his own Government's figures and I'm
1:16:09 > 1:16:15using his own Government's figures and I would like to make progress. I
1:16:15 > 1:16:18would like to make progress. I will come to the the honourable lady as
1:16:18 > 1:16:22well. I'm using his own Government's figures. And I think we need to have
1:16:22 > 1:16:28a real and proper debate about how we plug the gap in tax and how we
1:16:28 > 1:16:36plug that gap in GDP. I will give way.Thank you. He has gone law
1:16:36 > 1:16:41methodical process of working out the effect of GDP on Brexit. Has he
1:16:41 > 1:16:48worked out the effect of an empty Tory slogan?Well we have worked the
1:16:48 > 1:16:52impact on the NHS, on education and that will be devastating to our
1:16:52 > 1:16:56public services, because of these empty promises that were made that
1:16:56 > 1:17:03each of us will pay for and I will make a bit of progress. Another
1:17:03 > 1:17:10issue and there are issues around tax raised and GDP that we must
1:17:10 > 1:17:16wrestle with in a serious manner. Offering some suggestions. But right
1:17:16 > 1:17:21now, the Government is not handling some of the big issues. Time that
1:17:21 > 1:17:26has been taken up with this issue is strangling political debate as well.
1:17:26 > 1:17:32The strikes in our Universities now is a crucial issue for all parties.
1:17:32 > 1:17:35The strikes in universities is something we must take seriously.
1:17:35 > 1:17:39Yet it is something as we look for a fair solution to that and I will
1:17:39 > 1:17:44make this point before I come to the the honourable lady, that cannot be
1:17:44 > 1:17:47a priority, because this Government is so consumed by Brexit and what is
1:17:47 > 1:17:53going on with leaving the EU that other issues simply get ignored and
1:17:53 > 1:17:58it strangles that proper and serious debate. I will give way.I'm
1:17:58 > 1:18:04grateful. I didn't want the impression to be given to the House
1:18:04 > 1:18:10that the recent figures published by the... Brexit committee were the
1:18:10 > 1:18:15same as the figures that were used pre-referendum. Two totally
1:18:15 > 1:18:19different economic models were used and it would be wrong for the record
1:18:19 > 1:18:22in this House to suggest that the figures used before the referendum
1:18:22 > 1:18:28were the same as the once after. Thank you. The honourable lady once
1:18:28 > 1:18:33again and I know the differences I sometimes have with her, but she
1:18:33 > 1:18:40makes an honest point and I note the correction from the members from her
1:18:40 > 1:18:43benches who have been avoiding the figures from her own government. The
1:18:43 > 1:18:47member for Greenwich and I welcome his remarks, I hope he will go to
1:18:47 > 1:18:52the next step on the the single market. I note his remarks on
1:18:52 > 1:18:56Northern Ireland and I am grateful for those. Because Northern Ireland
1:18:56 > 1:19:00is one area that has been overlooked. The danger to the peace
1:19:00 > 1:19:04process is not something what any of us should take lightly, regardless
1:19:04 > 1:19:08of views different members have and is something that we have to take
1:19:08 > 1:19:15seriously. I know colleagues and my honourable friends will talk about
1:19:15 > 1:19:20the continuity bill in Holyrood. But this is in Holyrood we find the
1:19:20 > 1:19:24Conservatives utterly isolated in their latest power-grab. When
1:19:24 > 1:19:31challenged on this, they say that we have to choose between the UK and
1:19:31 > 1:19:38the EU. That is nonsense and highlights the isolationism that is
1:19:38 > 1:19:44at the heart of many of the members opposite who reach out for this
1:19:44 > 1:19:51ourselves alone approach. To in conclusion we to look at where we
1:19:51 > 1:19:55can make progress. There is one silver lining and I pay credit to
1:19:55 > 1:20:00members, I think in my short experience I have seen members from
1:20:00 > 1:20:03across this House seeking to work together better than they have done
1:20:03 > 1:20:07before and I know that where members are trying it is not always easy to
1:20:07 > 1:20:11put their differences aside and find a way through this and I pay due and
1:20:11 > 1:20:15I salute a number of members who have been able to do this. If I
1:20:15 > 1:20:20offer my own suggestion, which is Scotland voted to remain part of EU.
1:20:20 > 1:20:24And I note that is something that has been noted by members in the
1:20:24 > 1:20:29House and by members of Parliament from across the European Union. What
1:20:29 > 1:20:35I would suggested is bridges need to be built with our European partners,
1:20:35 > 1:20:39this has been a shock to the system and that is important. We need to
1:20:39 > 1:20:47build our economic ties. We would like to see sup -- support for
1:20:47 > 1:20:52immigration. But I think Scotland stands ready to try and rebuild
1:20:52 > 1:20:57ties. Our economic ties with the rest of the United Kingdom are
1:20:57 > 1:21:01important, but they're important with the single market and the rest
1:21:01 > 1:21:07of the EU. I would appeal to members look look at your own figures and
1:21:07 > 1:21:11the damage that has been done, reach ouft to the devolved administrations
1:21:11 > 1:21:15and other governments. This will hit our public services and when you see
1:21:15 > 1:21:19people switching off this debate, they will not switch off when it
1:21:19 > 1:21:24comes to a hit to the NHS and in term of personnel and cash. A hit to
1:21:24 > 1:21:30education and to other services as well. We have devolution in the
1:21:30 > 1:21:38United Kingdom, we should use it.
1:21:38 > 1:21:42As the member of the Glasgow Central pointed out earlier, it is
1:21:42 > 1:21:46international ask a question day. My question to the government is, do
1:21:46 > 1:21:50you know what you are doing, and our yorker of the devastating damage you
1:21:50 > 1:21:58are doing? -- are you aware.I welcome the
1:21:58 > 1:22:00opportunity to speak. I would like to start by responding to the
1:22:00 > 1:22:05honourable member who mentioned that 62% of the people in Scotland voted
1:22:05 > 1:22:11to remain in the EU. What they ordered her was for the UK to remain
1:22:11 > 1:22:17in the EU. They did not vote for an independent Scotland to remain in
1:22:17 > 1:22:23the EU. As I said before, a majority in my constituency out act --
1:22:23 > 1:22:27actually did vote for the UK to leave the European Union, based on
1:22:27 > 1:22:34research conducted by the University of East Anglia. It found 54% of
1:22:34 > 1:22:38voters voted Leave in my constituency. This should come as no
1:22:38 > 1:22:43surprise when you consider my constituency is home to fishing
1:22:43 > 1:22:52communities and active ports. Around 50 per -- 54% of fisheries coming
1:22:52 > 1:22:56through my constituency. 92% of British fishermen planned to vote
1:22:56 > 1:23:02leave. 68% of that sample was made of Scottish fishermen. Fishing
1:23:02 > 1:23:06communities in the UK have suffered for decades under the Common
1:23:06 > 1:23:09fisheries policy. This is an historic run which would be put
1:23:09 > 1:23:15right. We owe that to all fishing communities. When we leave the EU,
1:23:15 > 1:23:20we leave the common fisheries policy and the common independent coastal
1:23:20 > 1:23:24state. We must not weaken our hand in the future by bargaining away
1:23:24 > 1:23:28access to our exclusive economic zone as part of a long term trade
1:23:28 > 1:23:34deal with the EU. When it comes to reciprocal access, compared to the
1:23:34 > 1:23:42100,000 tonnes of fish brought into EU waters by UK bus. British
1:23:42 > 1:23:47fishermen catch only 40% of fish. Compare that with 84% by Norwegian
1:23:47 > 1:23:52vessels in their waters and Icelandic vessels catch 95%. It is
1:23:52 > 1:23:56not just the fishermen who wanted to leave the EU. A survey of Scottish
1:23:56 > 1:24:00farmers found that two thirds third World Italy. The National Farmers'
1:24:00 > 1:24:05Union of Scotland believe the result may have been closer to 50-50. A
1:24:05 > 1:24:09great many Scottish farmers will be glad to see the back of the EU and
1:24:09 > 1:24:14the the Common Agricultural Policy. A policy which was designed to work
1:24:14 > 1:24:18in a common way from the Arctic Circle in the north to the
1:24:18 > 1:24:21Mediterranean lead to an overcomplicated, bureaucratic, one
1:24:21 > 1:24:27size fits non-system. The food industry in Scotland is to big to
1:24:27 > 1:24:38neglect. These are important to UK exports. I'm encouraged by the UK
1:24:38 > 1:24:42government's commitment... Many members of the seafood processing
1:24:42 > 1:24:44company would like something similar to be done to match the funding
1:24:44 > 1:24:50which comes from the European fisheries fund. One impact of Brexit
1:24:50 > 1:25:02weather is concerned from farmers and fishermen. -- which... Is the
1:25:02 > 1:25:08supplementation of the workforce. Long-term these industries must be
1:25:08 > 1:25:12made sustainable with local labour but that will not happen overnight.
1:25:12 > 1:25:17An interim period will need a stopgap. This was already an issue
1:25:17 > 1:25:22before Brexit. There is not an infinite supply of EU labour for
1:25:22 > 1:25:26these industries. What is crucial is that after we leave the EU we will
1:25:26 > 1:25:36take back control of our borders, laws, money and water.
1:25:36 > 1:25:39Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. Can I apologise for not being present
1:25:39 > 1:25:44for the conclusion of the debate tomorrow? We should be grateful we
1:25:44 > 1:25:47have the opportunity over two days to discuss European affairs. But it
1:25:47 > 1:25:52is a reminder there is one thing ministers don't want us to be doing
1:25:52 > 1:25:56over two days, which is voting on any amendments to keep us in the
1:25:56 > 1:25:59Customs Union. This will definitely be remembered as the Brexit
1:25:59 > 1:26:05Parliament. It is undoubtedly the backbenchers' parliament. It is
1:26:05 > 1:26:08running the risk of becoming the vocalist Parliament because business
1:26:08 > 1:26:12managers are scrambling around to fill their time with anything other
1:26:12 > 1:26:16than votes on important matters. I would say to ministers that you
1:26:16 > 1:26:20cannot put those votes of permanently. One of the reasons why
1:26:20 > 1:26:24there is so much support was alluded to by my honourable friend in his
1:26:24 > 1:26:28excellent speech opening for our side, and that is it would provide
1:26:28 > 1:26:34part of the solution to the problem of the border between the Republic
1:26:34 > 1:26:40of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The truth is the House divides into two
1:26:40 > 1:26:44camps on the border. There is one view which says it is all right,
1:26:44 > 1:26:46there will be a technological solution which we will get round.
1:26:46 > 1:26:50The incompatibility -- incompatibility between the policy
1:26:50 > 1:27:00government has adopted. No checks, no infrastructure, open border. And
1:27:00 > 1:27:03the second view, which I share, is that we cannot currently see how you
1:27:03 > 1:27:08can resolve those two contradictions. We have been taking
1:27:08 > 1:27:11evidence in the select committee. We have been looking at free-trade
1:27:11 > 1:27:16agreements all over the world. Every single one of them involves some
1:27:16 > 1:27:21checks on some goods, it doesn't matter if it is Norway, Sweden, or
1:27:21 > 1:27:25Canada and the US. Even the much quoted but clearly little red
1:27:25 > 1:27:32European Parliament report acknowledges, even with the most
1:27:32 > 1:27:34up-to-date technology, there would still need to be physical
1:27:34 > 1:27:40infrastructure. That is not compatible with maintaining an open
1:27:40 > 1:27:46border. Now of course the government published its documents last summer.
1:27:46 > 1:27:52We should explore all of the options. While I recognise a
1:27:52 > 1:27:56suspension of belief is essential to the magician's art, it is not a
1:27:56 > 1:27:59strong foundation for government policy. Although we are none the
1:27:59 > 1:28:04wiser about what is going to happen in Northern Ireland, we did learn in
1:28:04 > 1:28:08fairness a bit more about the Prime Minister's approach in her Mansion
1:28:08 > 1:28:12House speech. Despite the advance briefing about ambitious managed
1:28:12 > 1:28:15divergence, which I hope has disappeared into the dustbin of
1:28:15 > 1:28:18history, the Prime Minister did speak about maintaining regulatory
1:28:18 > 1:28:24alignment. The other thing that was striking about that speech was the
1:28:24 > 1:28:28frankness with which she acknowledged that we will inevitably
1:28:28 > 1:28:37have less access to our market. It has taken a long time to get to this
1:28:37 > 1:28:47point of realism. The cry for many months from the Secretary of
1:28:47 > 1:28:50State... That truth, we will have Lex access, was the reason the pound
1:28:50 > 1:28:55fell after the referendum. It is why the UK has gone from being one of
1:28:55 > 1:28:58the fastest-growing economies to the slowest, which has just been
1:28:58 > 1:29:02confirmed. The question remains for the House. What is the right
1:29:02 > 1:29:08approach to manage the risks of damage to the British economy as the
1:29:08 > 1:29:12process unfolds? I think we all agree that continuing tariff free
1:29:12 > 1:29:18trade is essential. I simply say, the most effective way of achieving
1:29:18 > 1:29:21that would be to remain in a customs union with the European Union. We
1:29:21 > 1:29:27have heard from the minister, 44% of our exports go to this market. 17%
1:29:27 > 1:29:31go to countries with whom we have trade agreement. It would be great
1:29:31 > 1:29:34if in responding the Minister could confirm how the government is
1:29:34 > 1:29:39getting on with ensuring that those agreements will roll on during the
1:29:39 > 1:29:42transition period, so that businesses know the terms on which
1:29:42 > 1:29:50they will trade. I will give way.On the issue of businesses, companies
1:29:50 > 1:29:53like Jaguar Land Rover in my constituency don't know where they
1:29:53 > 1:30:02are in relation to regulation of central development.My honourable
1:30:02 > 1:30:05friend is absolutely right. That is one of a whole host of examples that
1:30:05 > 1:30:10members on all sides of the House are aware of from businesses in our
1:30:10 > 1:30:13constituencies, where they are asking, how will it work? At the
1:30:13 > 1:30:17moment we do not know. Staying in the Customs Union is what the CBI
1:30:17 > 1:30:24wants. Government policy on International trade is one of my
1:30:24 > 1:30:34Korber is. Given the fondness for purity tariffs, the clear desire of
1:30:34 > 1:30:38the UK administration to open up our agriculture, do really think that a
1:30:38 > 1:30:43trade agreement with the US is going to happen any time soon? Do we
1:30:43 > 1:30:47really think we're to get a trade deal with India before we get more
1:30:47 > 1:30:53visas to their citizens? The idea, the minister is not in his place,
1:30:53 > 1:30:56the idea that somehow being in the European Union has stopped us
1:30:56 > 1:31:00trading with the rest of the world is a nonsense. It is a nonsense. If
1:31:00 > 1:31:05that were the case, how come our largest single trading partner in
1:31:05 > 1:31:09the world is a country with whom we do not have a trade agreement? The
1:31:09 > 1:31:11United States of America. Why is it that our trade with China has
1:31:11 > 1:31:19increased by 64% since 2010, and China is now our fifth largest
1:31:19 > 1:31:24trading partner? Having said that, I do think there are areas in which
1:31:24 > 1:31:29the European Union needs to show greater flexibility in negotiations.
1:31:29 > 1:31:33It has done in particular and different special deals for its
1:31:33 > 1:31:36external partners, for Canada, for Norway, for the UK, Switzerland and
1:31:36 > 1:31:42Turkey. If you take the example of continued participation in EU
1:31:42 > 1:31:48agencies, which are very to business and trade, the Prime Minister
1:31:48 > 1:31:53referred to examples of the aviation is the organisation, the chemicals
1:31:53 > 1:31:57agency. I think the EU response, which was basically to say, no, you
1:31:57 > 1:32:04can't take part, was spectacularly ill judged. And I think we should
1:32:04 > 1:32:08say to all of those we speak to, you could have said, let's sit down and
1:32:08 > 1:32:12talk about how we can do this, but you will have to pay, you will have
1:32:12 > 1:32:17to abide by the rules, you will have to accept judgments of the European
1:32:17 > 1:32:23Court of Justice. That should not be a problem for the Prime Minister, in
1:32:23 > 1:32:28a speech on security in Munich, said in order to maintain co-operation on
1:32:28 > 1:32:34security, we would accept the remit of the ECJ. That is another example
1:32:34 > 1:32:37of reality beginning to dawn of the red lines of the government policy.
1:32:37 > 1:32:42On that point of the gulf between what was promised and what we are
1:32:42 > 1:32:45seeing being delivered economically and on the issue of Northern
1:32:45 > 1:32:48Ireland, would he be willing to keep an open mind at least on the merits
1:32:48 > 1:32:53and wisdom of the people having a say on the Brexit deal?Although
1:32:53 > 1:33:06tempted by the Honourable member's intervention... The third issue I
1:33:06 > 1:33:11want to touch on is that of timing. Although we are two thirds through
1:33:11 > 1:33:16the withdrawal process, we have not even begun to start negotiating our
1:33:16 > 1:33:19future relationship. For a deal which is meant to stand us in good
1:33:19 > 1:33:23stead for decades to come macro and is not something that can be done in
1:33:23 > 1:33:28a hurry. So I make a plea for flexibility, both in the remainder
1:33:28 > 1:33:35of the Article 50 period and in the transition period when the bulk of
1:33:35 > 1:33:37the negotiation will be done. The last thing I wanted to touch on,
1:33:37 > 1:33:42since this is a debate on European affairs, is some of the broader
1:33:42 > 1:33:46challenges we face in Europe and Britain's contribution to addressing
1:33:46 > 1:33:50those at a time when so much of our effort and energy and time is being
1:33:50 > 1:33:55put into dealing with the consequences of Brexit. Take the
1:33:55 > 1:33:58nerve attack in Salisbury. This is exactly the kind of circumstance in
1:33:58 > 1:34:02which we need a multilateral response. The Prime Minister spoke
1:34:02 > 1:34:06about that the other day. In the case of Europe we knew the closest
1:34:06 > 1:34:10possible cooperation. Yet this is also the moment when we are
1:34:10 > 1:34:15undermining that cooperation, that relationship, because of Brexit.
1:34:15 > 1:34:18Then in the hope of rebuilding it. I accept that is what the Prime
1:34:18 > 1:34:24Minister said she wants to do. In truth, the use of that nerve agent
1:34:24 > 1:34:29is exactly the reason why we do need to conclude swiftly and agreement of
1:34:29 > 1:34:32defence, security, foreign policy, fight against terrorism and
1:34:32 > 1:34:35cooperation with the other member states. There are so many other
1:34:35 > 1:34:38things we should be turning our attention to. How can we sustain
1:34:38 > 1:34:43strong economies in Europe? How will we respond to a wave of nostalgia
1:34:43 > 1:34:48for an age gone by that informed much of the support for some
1:34:48 > 1:34:52political parties and movements right across Europe, as they try to
1:34:52 > 1:35:02come macro to terms with an age of change? When you look at the
1:35:02 > 1:35:07Mediterranean, and the challenges North African countries face, when
1:35:07 > 1:35:10you think of climate change, the people who will drought are downpour
1:35:10 > 1:35:14forces them to do so, never mind people in the end killing each other
1:35:14 > 1:35:18not because of the different political views, but they are
1:35:18 > 1:35:24fighting over natural resources, including water... The onward march
1:35:24 > 1:35:27of technology, the challenges and the fantastic opportunities that
1:35:27 > 1:35:32will create. Therefore, while we wrestle with what is a desire for
1:35:32 > 1:35:36greater self-determination and control, we cannot lose faith in the
1:35:36 > 1:35:41multilateral institutions, the European Union, the UN and others,
1:35:41 > 1:35:46that we created in order to give ourselves a better chance of dealing
1:35:46 > 1:35:51with those challenges. If we have learnt one thing from the last 100
1:35:51 > 1:35:55years, never mind the last thousand, it is that in order to look after
1:35:55 > 1:35:59ourselves we have to look after others. To do that successfully, we
1:35:59 > 1:36:08have to learn to work together.
1:36:08 > 1:36:14It is always a pleasure to follow from the member. I would pick up the
1:36:14 > 1:36:18on the points and using multilateral institutions. But I fear the failure
1:36:18 > 1:36:25of Europe to act in an appropriately tough way after the murder of
1:36:25 > 1:36:29Alexander Litvinenko may well have led the Russian state to think they
1:36:29 > 1:36:35could have another go here. I note in particular, I would have argued
1:36:35 > 1:36:41for sanctions to be applied, particularly in relation to its gas
1:36:41 > 1:36:49exports. That would have had a big impact. I support his calls and the
1:36:49 > 1:36:53solidarity shown by Europe. But I would ask they go further than that
1:36:53 > 1:36:59and be willing to look at strict measures against the Russian state.
1:36:59 > 1:37:05I would like to address my remarks not so much on the importance of our
1:37:05 > 1:37:12trade in goods, but our trade in services. I think that is an area
1:37:12 > 1:37:16that has been underrepresented in many of the debates that we have had
1:37:16 > 1:37:21on Europe. Particularly in the light of the rather aggressive statements
1:37:21 > 1:37:29by President Trump in the last few days. Services are vital and
1:37:29 > 1:37:36constitute almost 80% of our UK GDP and 80% of UK jobs and 45% of our
1:37:36 > 1:37:43exports. A large part of our service exports go to Europe. In fact this
1:37:43 > 1:37:49trade is worth £90 million a year and it is more than the Government
1:37:49 > 1:37:53spends on transport, housing, the environment, industry, employment
1:37:53 > 1:37:57and agriculture combined. When you see it in those terms you understand
1:37:57 > 1:38:05the importance of recognising a deal in the service sector. It is not
1:38:05 > 1:38:10just financial services, it includes insurance, legal, cultural and
1:38:10 > 1:38:14digital services. I welcome the Prime Minister's commitment to an
1:38:14 > 1:38:19ambitious and comprehensive deal. This deal is essential as it will
1:38:19 > 1:38:23have to cover a range of different sectors, including the service
1:38:23 > 1:38:31sectors with tha -- with their different needs. I would encourage
1:38:31 > 1:38:37ministers to be bold and I note the Treasury, or the exit analysis that
1:38:37 > 1:38:42was produced by a number of Government departments using the
1:38:42 > 1:38:49most up-to-date economic model and the real threat shown to UK PLC is
1:38:49 > 1:38:53from non-tariff barriers. While we can have a debate on the customs
1:38:53 > 1:38:59union, I would argue it is the non-tariff barriers that create the
1:38:59 > 1:39:05biggest threat to the economy.She is right to raise non-tariff
1:39:05 > 1:39:11barriers, because the WTO identified there were 300 barrier that has
1:39:11 > 1:39:22risen to 1,200. Don't you think Britain can be anned an advocate in
1:39:22 > 1:39:28the WTO and drive this.There is nothing to prevent us doing that and
1:39:28 > 1:39:33the tariffs have increased while we remain a member of the WTO, although
1:39:33 > 1:39:39we are a member of Europe. That is a real and significant danger to the
1:39:39 > 1:39:43UK economy, I would hope we would be looking at sectors such as the three
1:39:43 > 1:39:47that I would like to try and mention, digital, insurance and
1:39:47 > 1:39:53legal. The digital sectors cover a huge range of industries and not
1:39:53 > 1:39:58just new tech businesses, but a wide range of services for many companies
1:39:58 > 1:40:02and they're exposed to the same risks as many other service
1:40:02 > 1:40:05industries. Burr they have to contend with data protection rules
1:40:05 > 1:40:15that will impact on data flows after Brexit. Tech UK says digital makes
1:40:15 > 1:40:20up 16% of UK output and 10% of employment. It is a significant
1:40:20 > 1:40:27export sector. About 96% of output and 81% of digital exports are in
1:40:27 > 1:40:37services. So that is key. It is vital that we look at an agreement
1:40:37 > 1:40:46dealing with data flows and data flows not only with Europe, 70% wis
1:40:46 > 1:40:54Europe, we are one of most advanced countries in trading online. Our
1:40:54 > 1:40:59consumers are knowledgeable in buying online. It is port that we
1:40:59 > 1:41:05look at how we can mitigate or indeed address those issues in
1:41:05 > 1:41:12relation to a future deal. Even if we maintain identical regulation
1:41:12 > 1:41:17with the EU, there are questions regarding the legal basis on which
1:41:17 > 1:41:22companies can transfer datas between the UK and the EU 27. It would be in
1:41:22 > 1:41:29the hands of European commission to assess whether we had achieveded a
1:41:29 > 1:41:37kwa sichlt failure could force localisation of data and this
1:41:37 > 1:41:41fragmentation could cause cost to UK businesses who will have to
1:41:41 > 1:41:49implement alternative structures. According to one study, it could
1:41:49 > 1:41:56cost between 0.4% and 1% of GDP. Significant drops in investments and
1:41:56 > 1:42:01exports. This uncertainty over whether a deal will be struck could
1:42:01 > 1:42:07see companies restrict the amount of data they store and share in the u
1:42:07 > 1:42:17UK. UK. The recognition by the Prime Minister that we want to see a role
1:42:17 > 1:42:21for the UK's Information Commissioners office is welcome. But
1:42:21 > 1:42:26it is vital that we actually deliver on it and we deliver on it quickly.
1:42:26 > 1:42:34The second area I want to address was the UK legal services. The UK
1:42:34 > 1:42:43legal services industry has made it clear that the Sita model does not
1:42:43 > 1:42:47provide a comprehensive framework for professional services. I would
1:42:47 > 1:42:53argue the Government needs to look at Norway minus, not Canada plus,
1:42:53 > 1:43:00plus. It is clear that the... Impact of no deal on services in the legal
1:43:00 > 1:43:03industry would be more dramatic than it would on the insurance industry,
1:43:03 > 1:43:09because there is a widely established series of EU directives
1:43:09 > 1:43:14that have created a well functioning market in legal services in the EU.
1:43:14 > 1:43:22And again this is a sector that is worth £26 billion to the UK and
1:43:22 > 1:43:29equivalent to 1.5% of GDP and employs people in high paying jobs.
1:43:29 > 1:43:36And in 2016 there was a net export of 4 billion from the legal services
1:43:36 > 1:43:43sector into Europe. So it is vital that when we are looking at the
1:43:43 > 1:43:51customs union and I would argue EE A, which should be the plan B. I
1:43:51 > 1:43:57agree with my honourable friend the member for East Renfrewshire, who
1:43:57 > 1:43:59said we absolutely support the Prime Minister in going out and getting
1:43:59 > 1:44:03that deep and special partnership, that deep and special deal, but if
1:44:03 > 1:44:10for any reason we cannot achieve that deal, then the plan B
1:44:10 > 1:44:32alternative should be an EE A EF avment style deal F you wonder how
1:44:32 > 1:44:37how I preached that conclusion, look at the analysis from across
1:44:37 > 1:44:44government departments that indicated an EE A style departure
1:44:44 > 1:44:51would be the least damaging option. It would allow us to strike trade
1:44:51 > 1:44:55deals as they have trade deals with 57 other countries. We can go out
1:44:55 > 1:45:01and strike trade deals and go into a market with 900 million people
1:45:01 > 1:45:07potentially and we still do that trade with China, when the Prime
1:45:07 > 1:45:12Minister returned from her China visit she had signed £9 billion
1:45:12 > 1:45:16worth of trade deals. I would argue that is an option that needs to be
1:45:16 > 1:45:28looked at by the government as a plan B. Thank you.It is a pleasure
1:45:28 > 1:45:33to follow the member, whose thinking is similar to mine. But we are in
1:45:33 > 1:45:37the situation where a Conservative Government finds itself in the
1:45:37 > 1:45:43position of not having a majority in this Parliament of having big
1:45:43 > 1:45:49divisions among its own backbenchers and has an arrogant disregard for
1:45:49 > 1:45:54the practical realities, in particular with regard to its
1:45:54 > 1:45:59negotiation stance on Brexit. From Brexit means Brexit to deep and
1:45:59 > 1:46:02special relationship and now managed divergence, it is clear that the
1:46:02 > 1:46:06Prime Minister is trying to find forms of words that will hold her
1:46:06 > 1:46:11party together. Rather than produce a firm negotiating stance which is
1:46:11 > 1:46:16understood by the EU and has a chance of success. The marriage of
1:46:16 > 1:46:21convenience between the Conservative Party and the Democratic Unionist
1:46:21 > 1:46:27Party can only be sustained by the payment of £1 billion to Northern
1:46:27 > 1:46:32Ireland and an agreement over not having a hard border between
1:46:32 > 1:46:37Northern Ireland and the republic. This is means payment not just to
1:46:37 > 1:46:40Belfast, but on the understanding that the free movement of goods,
1:46:40 > 1:46:45services and people across the border between Northern Ireland and
1:46:45 > 1:46:50southern Ireland can be negotiated successfully with the EU 27, without
1:46:50 > 1:46:53the UK having access to the single market or being in the customs
1:46:53 > 1:46:59union. On current viewing, this seems to be highly unlikely at best
1:46:59 > 1:47:03and impossible at worst. Without an agreement on access to the single
1:47:03 > 1:47:08market, as well as some agreement on a customs union, it is difficult to
1:47:08 > 1:47:13see how the democratic unionists can avoid a hard border. Indications
1:47:13 > 1:47:17from Brussels give the impression that the EU 27 will not be willing
1:47:17 > 1:47:22to agree on an open border, unless there is some agreement in these two
1:47:22 > 1:47:30areas. This Government has a huge mountain to climb, and seems to
1:47:30 > 1:47:34think the solution is to placate its backbenchers rather than carry out
1:47:34 > 1:47:39serious negotiations with our neighbours. It is now 21 months
1:47:39 > 1:47:42since the referendum and there is still little agreement between the
1:47:42 > 1:47:49EU and the UK on many key issues. The leave campaign promised that 350
1:47:49 > 1:47:54million a week extra could be spent on the NHS if we left the you. Now
1:47:54 > 1:47:57we find the government with the Foreign Secretary who is one of
1:47:57 > 1:48:02leaders of leave campaign who said that the EU can go and whistle and
1:48:02 > 1:48:09when he it became clear the UK had to pay to leave in order to meet its
1:48:09 > 1:48:14obligations, already agree with the EU. Now the Government has agreed to
1:48:14 > 1:48:19pay 40 to 50 billion to exit the EU. Which is a contrast to the 350
1:48:19 > 1:48:25million a week that was going to come wack into the NHS. The
1:48:25 > 1:48:30so-called sufficient progress that was claimed to have made still
1:48:30 > 1:48:34overlooks the details that will be required to deal with the hard board
1:48:34 > 1:48:38we are Ireland and to guarantee citizens rights in a manner
1:48:38 > 1:48:42acceptable to the UK and the EU. Face two negotiations that should
1:48:42 > 1:48:47focus on the framework of a future relationship find that the EU is
1:48:47 > 1:48:53focussing on a frame work and the UK talks about a future relationship.
1:48:53 > 1:48:58Little seems to be agreed on whether the transitional deal can be
1:48:58 > 1:49:05extended beyond two years and a date of October to formalise talks is too
1:49:05 > 1:49:09late to give businesses any certainty as to how they can
1:49:09 > 1:49:15continue to conduct business with companies across the EU 27 states.
1:49:15 > 1:49:22My own view, similar to the member is the UK should have adopted a
1:49:22 > 1:49:28stance to realise an outcome similar to that of Norway. Which has access
1:49:28 > 1:49:31to the single market, despite the fact that it is not a member of EU.
1:49:31 > 1:49:36I would like to have seen a discussion around a customs union
1:49:36 > 1:49:41that would be far better than that of Turkeys that we could have
1:49:41 > 1:49:44negotiated in good faith. We have Prime Minister who says we don't
1:49:44 > 1:49:48want to be in a single market or in the customs union. The Prime
1:49:48 > 1:49:56Minister wants a bespoke trade deal just for the UK, but is oblivious to
1:49:56 > 1:50:07the fact that proposals under mine the single market. The intro-Dux Dux
1:50:07 > 1:50:14of -- concept of managed divergence seems to be more about the
1:50:14 > 1:50:21differences on the backbench of the Conservative Party. The checkers
1:50:21 > 1:50:30Brexit away day deal held to obtain a truce between the warring factions
1:50:30 > 1:50:33of the Conservative Party came with a stance of managed divergence. This
1:50:33 > 1:50:38was a form of words that Sachsed both the Breck tiers and the
1:50:38 > 1:50:44remainers but will find no support in the EU 27 when those negotiations
1:50:44 > 1:50:48finally get going. The EU wishes the Prime Minister to come forward with
1:50:48 > 1:50:56her vision of a relationship between the EU and the UK for the future.
1:50:56 > 1:50:59The managed divergence the Prime Minister talks of is known as the
1:50:59 > 1:51:06three basket approach. Because it has three tiers. The core with where
1:51:06 > 1:51:12the UK would align with regulations, a mid tier, where there was managed
1:51:12 > 1:51:16mutual recognition of rules, such as in environmental protection and an
1:51:16 > 1:51:25outer tier where the UK could diverge from EU rules with no
1:51:25 > 1:51:33consequences. The notion that EU will accept three different baskets
1:51:33 > 1:51:40in arrangements with the UK is delusional and makes the Government
1:51:40 > 1:51:45looks like a basket case. It is like watching a car crash in slow motion,
1:51:45 > 1:51:49but as the driver the Prime Minister is holding her hands over her eye
1:51:49 > 1:51:53and trying to convince the passengers, that is the public that
1:51:53 > 1:51:58everything will be fine. This can only result in humiliation of the
1:51:58 > 1:52:04Prime Minister and it is made clear that managed divergence is not
1:52:04 > 1:52:09acceptable and an inflexible attitude to the customs union and
1:52:09 > 1:52:16the court of justice cannot continue.
1:52:16 > 1:52:23One can envisage the outcome being a hard Brexit. This is the favoured
1:52:23 > 1:52:31outcome of some of the Brexiteers in her own party. The Prime Minister
1:52:31 > 1:52:36should stiffen resolve now, tell her recalcitrant backbenchers that are
1:52:36 > 1:52:40trading relationship with the EU is still important, even though we are
1:52:40 > 1:52:45leaving the EU, and get down to some serious negotiations that will
1:52:45 > 1:52:49preserve jobs and businesses up and down this country, into -- instead
1:52:49 > 1:52:53of leading us to a cliff edge which will result in a WTO style
1:52:53 > 1:52:58agreement. Thank you. I would like to focus my
1:52:58 > 1:53:03remarks today on the ongoing negotiations between Scotland' to
1:53:03 > 1:53:11governments. It will have an impact on Scotland's ability to do business
1:53:11 > 1:53:16and to do trade, especially if we get it wrong. These negotiations are
1:53:16 > 1:53:21ongoing. The UK government has now published its amendment to close 11
1:53:21 > 1:53:26of the withdrawal bill. Another Bill Lunde Brexit is being rushed through
1:53:26 > 1:53:31the Scottish parliament by the SNP Scottish government. The EU
1:53:31 > 1:53:37Withdrawal Bill may have its faults, Mr Deputy Speaker, but one thing you
1:53:37 > 1:53:44can say is it is legal. The same cannot be said for the SNP
1:53:44 > 1:53:48government's bill currently being considered by Hollywood. It has been
1:53:48 > 1:53:53ruled unlawful by the presiding officer. Strongly criticised as
1:53:53 > 1:53:57inconsistent by a range of experts. And yet it is still being rushed
1:53:57 > 1:54:06through in a few days with minimal scrutiny.The continuity bill has
1:54:06 > 1:54:12not been declared illegal by anyone. There is a question over a disc its
1:54:12 > 1:54:16competency by the presiding officer. As he well knows, the Lord Advocate
1:54:16 > 1:54:20has said it has been carefully drafted so it is not incompatible
1:54:20 > 1:54:28with EU law. He says it will do nothing to alter EU law until we are
1:54:28 > 1:54:33out of Brexit. It is simply preparing for Brexit in the same way
1:54:33 > 1:54:36the UK withdrawal bill is doing. I hope the illegal word will be
1:54:36 > 1:54:44withdrawn for the sake of clarity. I'm grateful for the point he makes.
1:54:44 > 1:54:49I would remind him that the Lord Advocate is actually a Scottish
1:54:49 > 1:54:53government minister. So of course he is going to be supportive of what
1:54:53 > 1:54:59the Scottish government is proposing. The presiding officer is
1:54:59 > 1:55:02the ultimate determining body as to which bills are qualified to come
1:55:02 > 1:55:07macro through the Scottish government.There appears to be this
1:55:07 > 1:55:15narrative being perpetuated that the presiding officer read the draft
1:55:15 > 1:55:19Bill and came up with the conclusion on his own as opposed to having a
1:55:19 > 1:55:24range of extensive and high-quality legal advice from a range of leading
1:55:24 > 1:55:28authors.I think the honourable member makes an excellent point. The
1:55:28 > 1:55:33presiding officer has done this with the advice of lawyers and other
1:55:33 > 1:55:37advice as well. It is misjudged by the Scottish government David
1:55:37 > 1:55:41Beckham push ahead with this regardless of the view of the
1:55:41 > 1:55:50presiding officer. There are some 230 amendments to the bill. It was
1:55:50 > 1:55:54planned to be a single sitting starting last night. Late nights may
1:55:54 > 1:55:58not be unusual here but it is unprecedented in the Scottish
1:55:58 > 1:56:01Parliament for so many amendments to be given so little time to be
1:56:01 > 1:56:05considered. I would remind honourable and right Honourable
1:56:05 > 1:56:08members that the chamber of the Scottish parliament is only given
1:56:08 > 1:56:13one opportunity to consider a bill in detail, and the Scottish
1:56:13 > 1:56:15Parliament has no revising chamber to make improvements at a later
1:56:15 > 1:56:19stage. To force through so many amendments in so little time is not
1:56:19 > 1:56:26the way to legislate. The very fact that opposition MSP 's were able to
1:56:26 > 1:56:31identify hundreds of problems with this bill, and given only a handful
1:56:31 > 1:56:35of days to consider it, should be awake up call for the Scottish
1:56:35 > 1:56:38government.I think the honourable member. Just referring to his
1:56:38 > 1:56:44earlier point on the lawfulness of the continuity bill, does my right
1:56:44 > 1:56:49honourable friend agree that in Wales the presiding officer has
1:56:49 > 1:56:56deemed that this is indeed lawful in Wales?I'm grateful for that point.
1:56:56 > 1:57:00The legislation in the Scottish parliament is different to that
1:57:00 > 1:57:04which created the Welsh Assembly. I don't the powers are similar or
1:57:04 > 1:57:08might not. As someone who served in the Scottish Parliament for ten
1:57:08 > 1:57:11years, it is the determination of the presiding officer as to the
1:57:11 > 1:57:16competency of bills. The presiding officer was very clear this bill was
1:57:16 > 1:57:20not competent. If passed, the bill would give Scottish ministers a raft
1:57:20 > 1:57:24of Paris, including the power to decide which bits of EU law it wants
1:57:24 > 1:57:31to adopt into domestic law. Decisions which rest, decisions I
1:57:31 > 1:57:34would suggest should rest with the Scottish parliament. And that, I
1:57:34 > 1:57:39would suggest, is the real power grab. It will do nothing to help
1:57:39 > 1:57:43Scotland to do trade or might protect businesses in Scotland that
1:57:43 > 1:57:49do trade with the rest of the EU or around the world. The very fact the
1:57:49 > 1:57:52SNP government is pushing this through Holyrood, ignoring the views
1:57:52 > 1:57:58of the presiding officer and avoiding scrutiny from MSPs, shows
1:57:58 > 1:58:02what the SNP really think of the Scottish Parliament and democratic
1:58:02 > 1:58:07accountability.I have a huge amount of respect for him but I hope he
1:58:07 > 1:58:13will put on record that the only part of the Scottish Parliament that
1:58:13 > 1:58:19opposes this legislation is the Scottish Conservative Party. As for
1:58:19 > 1:58:22the committee system, he is a former member of the Parliament and he
1:58:22 > 1:58:28knows full well the legislation is scrutinising committee.I also
1:58:28 > 1:58:31understand the huge inadequacies of the committee system. The other
1:58:31 > 1:58:34place here is not perfect but at least it has the ability to amend
1:58:34 > 1:58:40and genuinely scrutinise. Yesterday there were more than four hours of
1:58:40 > 1:58:45debate. How many minutes the SNP backbenchers contributed? Just over
1:58:45 > 1:58:52two minutes of debate time yesterday was spent by SNP backbench MSP is
1:58:52 > 1:58:57scrutinising this continuity bill. That shows the level of
1:58:57 > 1:59:04accountability you get from SNP MSPs to their government. Ever since the
1:59:04 > 1:59:06introduction of the EU Withdrawal Bill, ever since the EU referendum
1:59:06 > 1:59:09result was known, the SNP have been desperately trying to make Brexit
1:59:09 > 1:59:18into an excuse to have another go for independence. I'm pleased to say
1:59:18 > 1:59:22that Scots are not buying it. As it has just been pointed out, rather
1:59:22 > 1:59:28than creating a bandwagon in favour of independence, it has exposed a
1:59:28 > 1:59:32fissure in the nationalist movement that Nicola Sturgeon has failed to
1:59:32 > 1:59:35struggle. The introduction of the continuity bill is the latest
1:59:35 > 1:59:41attempt at this. It is damaging because it makes a deal about these
1:59:41 > 1:59:46powers, a deal which the SNP claims it wants to make, less not more
1:59:46 > 1:59:51likely. It adds more constitutional uncertainty as an already difficult
1:59:51 > 1:59:54time and will do nothing to Scotland's ability to trade with the
1:59:54 > 1:59:58rest of the EU. And just as importantly, other countries around
1:59:58 > 2:00:03the world. The SNP's bill was unnecessary because we know we have
2:00:03 > 2:00:06an amendment to the EU Withdrawal Bill which essentially flips clause
2:00:06 > 2:00:1011 around and which is accompanied by a list from the UK government of
2:00:10 > 2:00:15areas where the UK Common framework is now necessary. No such list, I
2:00:15 > 2:00:21note, has been produced by the Scottish government. It is critical
2:00:21 > 2:00:23for us to do trade across the United Kingdom and other countries around
2:00:23 > 2:00:29the world. Let's step back from the rhetoric and the grandstanding
2:00:29 > 2:00:32coming from the Nationalists on the benches opposite and indeed in the
2:00:32 > 2:00:39Scottish government. If we step back, this is really a minor
2:00:39 > 2:00:43disagreement. The list of powers the SNP are claiming will be taken away
2:00:43 > 2:00:47from the Scottish Parliament includes things like late payment of
2:00:47 > 2:00:50commercial debts and the labelling of honey. These may well be
2:00:50 > 2:00:56important powers, but is it really been discussed around the tables of
2:00:56 > 2:01:06Scotland? I think not. More importantly, despite the rhetoric of
2:01:06 > 2:01:11the power grab, the reality is not a single one of these powers is being
2:01:11 > 2:01:16taken away from the Scottish Parliament. The Scottish parliament
2:01:16 > 2:01:21does not control these powers currently. Brussels does. And the
2:01:21 > 2:01:24majority of these powers will be coming to the Scottish parliament.
2:01:24 > 2:01:29The so-called power grabs in Westminster will be sending new
2:01:29 > 2:01:39powers Holyrood macro's away. -- Holyrood's. Despite talk of a
2:01:39 > 2:01:42crisis, the UK and Scottish government agreed on the way
2:01:42 > 2:01:47forward. The vast majority of these powers, built up in Brussels, will
2:01:47 > 2:01:52return to the Scottish parliament. Some will require a UK wide
2:01:52 > 2:01:59frameworks. Both the UK and Scottish government agree on this approach.
2:01:59 > 2:02:04Every time you mention the SNP, if you had a drink you would be drunk
2:02:04 > 2:02:08by now! I remember the days when he believed the consent of the Scottish
2:02:08 > 2:02:15parliament would be required. What has happened?I'm grateful for that
2:02:15 > 2:02:17point. I think we accept the consent of the Scottish Parliament is
2:02:17 > 2:02:25required. But your party leader, Nicola Sturgeon, in Holyrood macro
2:02:25 > 2:02:29is creating division, deliberately not reaching that agreement to stoke
2:02:29 > 2:02:33up what you think will get you to your ultimate goal, the second
2:02:33 > 2:02:39referendum on independence. We're having none of it. Absolutely none
2:02:39 > 2:02:42of it. It makes sense to ensure businesses do not face the risk of
2:02:42 > 2:02:46new barriers to trade in other parts of the United Kingdom. The Scottish
2:02:46 > 2:02:51government accepts that. An example would be different labelling
2:02:51 > 2:02:54requirements or different rules on pesticides across the UK. It would
2:02:54 > 2:02:58stifle trade and is not in the interest of Scottish business. The
2:02:58 > 2:03:05only disagreement is how this approach is implemented. Hardly an
2:03:05 > 2:03:11excuse to push through an unlawful and rushed bill, as the SNP are
2:03:11 > 2:03:17currently trying to do. It is always fascinating for those
2:03:17 > 2:03:20on this site to listen to the debate going on among Scottish colleagues
2:03:20 > 2:03:25on this issue. Is he not remotely concerned that his government is
2:03:25 > 2:03:31being propped up by the votes of the DUP in this chamber and the
2:03:31 > 2:03:35austerity and the Brexit demands that is forcing on our constituents
2:03:35 > 2:03:37is not greater undermining of the union that what he's about
2:03:37 > 2:03:45currently?I'm grateful for the point. I totally rejected. Our
2:03:45 > 2:03:49objective is to achieve the best deal for all of the United Kingdom,
2:03:49 > 2:03:54all part of the United Kingdom, including Scotland...
2:03:54 > 2:04:01Order! Order, Chuka Umunna.Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I welcome
2:04:01 > 2:04:04this debate but I don't welcome the fact that the government continually
2:04:04 > 2:04:09duck having votes in this house on these matters. I don't welcome the
2:04:09 > 2:04:12fact the government continue to do everything they can to withhold
2:04:12 > 2:04:16appropriate information so that we can come to an informed view on
2:04:16 > 2:04:20behalf of other constituents. I should say that my own view is that
2:04:20 > 2:04:26when we are asked to vote on the withdrawal agreement the Prime
2:04:26 > 2:04:29Minister is supposed to return to this House with in the autumn, I
2:04:29 > 2:04:32believe we should be granted a free vote on that agreement, given the
2:04:32 > 2:04:36magnitude of what we are dealing with and the importance it poses
2:04:36 > 2:04:40future generations in this country. It is clear, and we can see this
2:04:40 > 2:04:45every single day, that the Brexit process has been a total and utter
2:04:45 > 2:04:52mess. Article 50 should never have been invoked at the time it was
2:04:52 > 2:04:56invoked. We should have had the debate we're having now before it
2:04:56 > 2:05:00was invoked. I think it's quite extraordinary that we have only been
2:05:00 > 2:05:05given serious detail by the Prime this month, more than a year and a
2:05:05 > 2:05:10half after she took office and when we are halfway through these Brexit
2:05:10 > 2:05:13negotiations. Only now do we seem to have more clarity from the
2:05:13 > 2:05:18government as to the direction they wish to take this country in these
2:05:18 > 2:05:23Brexit negotiations. I give the Prime Minister this. Her speech was
2:05:23 > 2:05:26significant because for the first time it officially acknowledged what
2:05:26 > 2:05:31we know to be true. Which is that the government is voluntarily
2:05:31 > 2:05:37choosing to pursue a policy which they have admitted is going to make
2:05:37 > 2:05:41this country poorer. The Prime Minister, in that speech, was very
2:05:41 > 2:05:45clear. We are going to get less access, we were not get a
2:05:45 > 2:05:48frictionless border. She was talking about as frictionless border as
2:05:48 > 2:05:54possible. It is now used the Minister shaking his head. We know
2:05:54 > 2:05:57from the impact assessments they have commissioned from their own
2:05:57 > 2:06:01civil servants, that the options they are choosing to pursue are
2:06:01 > 2:06:06going to make this country poorer. And let's be clear. For all this
2:06:06 > 2:06:10talk that are EU friends are seeking to bully our country, seeking to
2:06:10 > 2:06:15punish our country, they are not. At the outset we put a range of options
2:06:15 > 2:06:18on the table, including remaining a member of the single market and the
2:06:18 > 2:06:21Customs Union, and it was this Prime Minister we took those options off
2:06:21 > 2:06:27the table.
2:06:27 > 2:06:30I'm grateful to my honourable friend because he is right. The European
2:06:30 > 2:06:33partners have said quite queerly that the red lines that the
2:06:33 > 2:06:36Government have set themselves, meaning the they wish to achieve our
2:06:36 > 2:06:41impossible. So it is highly unlikely that we should blame the EU partners
2:06:41 > 2:06:44for that when they are the Government's redline. Yellow my
2:06:44 > 2:06:48honourable friend is absolutely right. Itis the Prime Minister who
2:06:48 > 2:06:51is dictating the kind of agreement that we will reach with the European
2:06:51 > 2:07:01Union. Let us be clear what has happened since 2016. In March 2016,
2:07:01 > 2:07:03the Office for Budget Responsibility was forecasting that our economy was
2:07:03 > 2:07:10going to grow to .1% this year, next year and the year after. And because
2:07:10 > 2:07:13of the judgments, and because of the decisions that this government has
2:07:13 > 2:07:17made, the forecast is now saying that our economy is going to grow by
2:07:17 > 2:07:26a paltry 1.5% this year, 1.3% next year, 1.3% the year after. I say to
2:07:26 > 2:07:32the Minister, never before since the work and I remember a time where you
2:07:32 > 2:07:36have had a GDP forecast in every year which comes in under 2%. And
2:07:36 > 2:07:39that is the result of the policy decisions that he is making. I will
2:07:39 > 2:07:48give way.The Government strategy in relation is negotiated as a
2:07:48 > 2:07:53shambles, but more importantly what the Government is banking on that
2:07:53 > 2:07:56the talk of administration bailing them out. They think they are going
2:07:56 > 2:08:00to get some great deals from administration, but if you look at
2:08:00 > 2:08:02agriculture, farming, that sort of stuff, they are not going to get any
2:08:02 > 2:08:07great deals at all.I completely agree with my honourable friend. I
2:08:07 > 2:08:11will come to that shortly. I should say one of the most extraordinary
2:08:11 > 2:08:14things I found with the Prime minister's speech, particularly
2:08:14 > 2:08:18given so many of her Cabinet Ministers went around telling us
2:08:18 > 2:08:21that if we voted to leave the European Union it was going to lead
2:08:21 > 2:08:26to a Nazi for the NHS. I found it extraordinary that she did not
2:08:26 > 2:08:30explain how this will help the NHS -- it will lead to a bouncy for the
2:08:30 > 2:08:37NHS. The US applications are down 96% particularly because in the year
2:08:37 > 2:08:44after the referendum vote, we lost 10,000 health workers from our NHS.
2:08:44 > 2:08:48This is at a time where we have got 100,000 vacancies in the NHS, which
2:08:48 > 2:08:57need to be filled. Not to mention of this at all, which I find totally...
2:08:57 > 2:08:59Well, it was the director of the book 'leave' campaign I think who
2:08:59 > 2:09:03said that people like the Foreign Secretary and people like the
2:09:03 > 2:09:05environment secretary and Trade Secretary not going around saying
2:09:05 > 2:09:08what they step on the NHS we wouldn't actually be in the
2:09:08 > 2:09:12situation that we are in. And let me come to the point that my honourable
2:09:12 > 2:09:16friend has just made about these new trade deals because of course I do
2:09:16 > 2:09:19agree with the Ministers colleague who opened this debate that it isn't
2:09:19 > 2:09:23an either or choice as to whether we pursue EU trade or we pursue trade
2:09:23 > 2:09:26with the rest of the world. In spite of the fact that that it's actually
2:09:26 > 2:09:29an argument that is very often made from that despatch box by people.
2:09:29 > 2:09:32Let's get real about this. It is not a question of whether this country
2:09:32 > 2:09:35is going to be able to do trade deals, after we have left the
2:09:35 > 2:09:39European Union. We will be able to do trade deals after we left the
2:09:39 > 2:09:42European Union, if we leave the European Union. The question is on
2:09:42 > 2:09:47what terms? And we are not going to get the same terms as we enjoyed
2:09:47 > 2:09:49what we are negotiating with half a billion other people on one side of
2:09:49 > 2:09:55the table, then negotiating sale of China with their 1.6 billion people.
2:09:55 > 2:09:59We will not get the same terms we are 65 million people, a much
2:09:59 > 2:10:01smaller economy relative to these bigger economies who want to do more
2:10:01 > 2:10:07trade. That is the reality here. My honourable friend was right to refer
2:10:07 > 2:10:10to President Trump. He is not going to write to our rescue. You just
2:10:10 > 2:10:15need to see what he is doing to our steel industry, 25% in tariffs. The
2:10:15 > 2:10:19final observation I make about Prime Minister his speech is I have not
2:10:19 > 2:10:24spoke to any diplomat, any EU ambassador, any EU foreign Minister
2:10:24 > 2:10:29who thinks that the solution that the Government has put forward for
2:10:29 > 2:10:35the hard border in Northern Ireland and Ireland, I haven't spoken to any
2:10:35 > 2:10:38diplomat who thinks that the Government solution to technology is
2:10:38 > 2:10:42going to resolve that issue. Nobody I have spoken to believe that will
2:10:42 > 2:10:51happen. So what does that lead me to conclude, Mr Deputy Speaker? Brexit
2:10:51 > 2:10:55in the form that it was sold to the British people is simply not
2:10:55 > 2:11:00deliverable.Hear, hear! And I will give this to the
2:11:00 > 2:11:02Government, it isn't necessarily simply a matter of competence. It is
2:11:02 > 2:11:08a reality that so many of the promises that were made to people,
2:11:08 > 2:11:11whether you voted leaf or remain, suddenly those promises that simply
2:11:11 > 2:11:15cannot be delivered. That is the reality of the situation. And that
2:11:15 > 2:11:20is one of the reasons that I think at the very least we all are the
2:11:20 > 2:11:22honourable member for Edinburgh made this point, and my friend the Member
2:11:22 > 2:11:26for the central made this point as well, at the very least if we are to
2:11:26 > 2:11:29leave the European Union we should be seeking to keep this country
2:11:29 > 2:11:33fully participating in the customs union and to my mind fully
2:11:33 > 2:11:39participating in the single market as well. Let us be clear that as far
2:11:39 > 2:11:45as I'm concerned, if you want to and austerity and if you want to promote
2:11:45 > 2:11:51social justice, you have got to be supporting that position. There is
2:11:51 > 2:11:55no impediment to us if you want to implement the Labour manifesto doing
2:11:55 > 2:11:58so, being part of the framework of the single market and the customs
2:11:58 > 2:12:01union. There is no impediment to us pursuing the nationalizations we
2:12:01 > 2:12:06wish to do and other matters. I'll finish by saying this, Mr Deputy
2:12:06 > 2:12:12Speaker. One of the things that I am most struck by as I go around my
2:12:12 > 2:12:16constituency at the moment, and the truth is I think many members of the
2:12:16 > 2:12:20public are just fed up with this Brexit process. They just want it to
2:12:20 > 2:12:24be gone. They want us to just get on with it. But I think there is a
2:12:24 > 2:12:27recognition that is a far much more complex process than anybody
2:12:27 > 2:12:31thought. It is throwing up all kinds of issues, nobody thought will be
2:12:31 > 2:12:36connected to Brexit. The transportation of the isotopes used
2:12:36 > 2:12:38for medical research and counsel treatment. Who on earth would have
2:12:38 > 2:12:42thought that Brexit would be connected to that? But the group of
2:12:42 > 2:12:45people in my constituency who have the most visceral and strong views
2:12:45 > 2:12:50about what is going on are the young people in my constituency, who
2:12:50 > 2:12:55frankly believe that what is going on is robbing them of the
2:12:55 > 2:13:00opportunities older generations have taken for granted. They cannot
2:13:00 > 2:13:04understand why we would want to be doing this to them. And this is why
2:13:04 > 2:13:08I say that I think in the end of this House should have a free vote
2:13:08 > 2:13:12on this matter. Because for me, this is an issue that transcends our key
2:13:12 > 2:13:17politics, it transcends politics. It is an issue of national interest.
2:13:17 > 2:13:20And I tell you, Mr Deputy Speaker, I do not believe that younger
2:13:20 > 2:13:26generation will ever forgive us, will ever forget the generation of
2:13:26 > 2:13:29politicians sitting at his House of Commons if we don't do the right
2:13:29 > 2:13:33thing by them and secure their futures, ensuring they have the same
2:13:33 > 2:13:37opportunities that all of us enjoy now in that European Union.Hear,
2:13:37 > 2:13:42hear! Thank you very much, Mr Deputy
2:13:42 > 2:13:45Speaker. As someone who actually represents I hope the young people
2:13:45 > 2:13:47of the next-generation, I don't share pessimism because the great
2:13:47 > 2:13:55Brexit rise will be regaining our ability to strike new trade deals
2:13:55 > 2:13:58across the world. Not only will pretty rejoin the rest of the world,
2:13:58 > 2:14:02but it will have the opportunity to lead the rest of the world as a
2:14:02 > 2:14:08global free trading nation, championing trade liberalization and
2:14:08 > 2:14:13taking on the voices of protectionism. So let us be clear,
2:14:13 > 2:14:18we are not leaving Europe or turning our backs on a European neighbours
2:14:18 > 2:14:21and partners. Privately Prime Minister has been explicit that the
2:14:21 > 2:14:26Government is seeking a deep and comprehensive trade deal with the EU
2:14:26 > 2:14:33that covers goods as well as services. By leaving the customs
2:14:33 > 2:14:36union, the UK will regain its ability to set its own independent
2:14:36 > 2:14:43trade policy. Our trade with the EU is in deficit and declining, as the
2:14:43 > 2:14:50Minister stated in opening. It was 56% in 2006. Now down to 43% today.
2:14:50 > 2:14:53And while our trade with the rest of the world is actually in surplus and
2:14:53 > 2:14:58rising. We shouldn't play down the importance of Europe as a trading
2:14:58 > 2:15:04market and partner, but we must orientate ourselves towards the
2:15:04 > 2:15:08thriving economies and the rest of the world such as south and East
2:15:08 > 2:15:13Asia and their growing demand for goods and services. 57% of
2:15:13 > 2:15:17Britain's's exports are now to outside of the EU compared with only
2:15:17 > 2:15:2746% and in 2006. Further the IMF estimate that the next 10-15 years
2:15:27 > 2:15:3390% of global economic growth will originate from outside the EU.
2:15:33 > 2:15:37International demands for British goods is growing. And Aberdeen,
2:15:37 > 2:15:42which I represent, is well-placed to take of this. Where 90% of
2:15:42 > 2:15:47manufacturing in the city get exported. Mainly an oil and gas and
2:15:47 > 2:15:52environmental engineering. Because the oil and gas industry is a truly
2:15:52 > 2:15:59global one. Which is anchored right here in the UK. Current industry
2:15:59 > 2:16:05exports account for 43% of the UK supply chain, over and 2017, which
2:16:05 > 2:16:14is up from 41% in 2016. Oil and gas UK's vision 2030 has the ambitious
2:16:14 > 2:16:22aim of doubling the supply chain share of the global market from 3.7%
2:16:22 > 2:16:28to 7.4% in 2035. The group based in Mike assiduously is an example of
2:16:28 > 2:16:32this. -- my constituency. They were established back in 1980 and they
2:16:32 > 2:16:36specialise in subsidy buoyancy, renewable energy and also
2:16:36 > 2:16:42engineering solutions. In the play a round about 500 people in Aberdeen.
2:16:42 > 2:16:46And they are highly dependent on the export market. And they are
2:16:46 > 2:16:50currently focusing on West Africa, South America and the Gulf of
2:16:50 > 2:16:56Mexico. And they have been so clear with me that their only opportunity
2:16:56 > 2:17:00for growth is in the X port market. And I know they have already been
2:17:00 > 2:17:03working very closely with the Department for International Trade,
2:17:03 > 2:17:09on trying to exploit those opportunities. And it is actually
2:17:09 > 2:17:14thanks to the investment from the UK government that the oil and gas to
2:17:14 > 2:17:19technology centre in my constituency was set up. And they are working
2:17:19 > 2:17:23with the oil industry in developing solutions, new technology and
2:17:23 > 2:17:29innovation to maximise the full potential of the UK North Sea from
2:17:29 > 2:17:34assets integrity to maximizing covering small. Drilling to
2:17:34 > 2:17:38decommissioning. And the technology that is developed right in my own
2:17:38 > 2:17:40constituency of Aberdeen is exportable and opportunities are
2:17:40 > 2:17:49massive. The Northeast is also home, as my colleague highlighted, is a
2:17:49 > 2:17:53home to a thriving food and drink industry. And it is known also for
2:17:53 > 2:17:58its frisky escorts -- exports. A less told stories that of our other
2:17:58 > 2:18:05domestic exports and here are a few examples. In fishing we have got
2:18:05 > 2:18:09companies like McDuck chauffeurs, denim seafoods, who are exporting to
2:18:09 > 2:18:14countries like Nigeria, China, Vietnam, Uruguay and Ukraine. I will
2:18:14 > 2:18:21take an intervention.During the EU referendum campaign the honourable
2:18:21 > 2:18:23gentleman was pictured outside the Scottish Parliament with a placard
2:18:23 > 2:18:29saying vote no, Vote Leave to bring control of our fishing back to be
2:18:29 > 2:18:31democratically elected Scottish Parliament. Will he be recirculating
2:18:31 > 2:18:37that image?I'm very grateful to the honourable member for raising that.
2:18:37 > 2:18:42It is so clear we are leaving the European Union, taking back control
2:18:42 > 2:18:47of our watchers for over 200 nautical miles. Giving us the
2:18:47 > 2:18:52opportunity to rejuvenate our coastal communities. We are
2:18:52 > 2:18:54supporting Scottish fishermen. The party that went to sell them down
2:18:54 > 2:19:00the river, back to Brussels, handing all those powers right back and
2:19:00 > 2:19:04keeping them trapped within the confines of the common fisheries
2:19:04 > 2:19:09policy as every single member of the SNP. I will take no lectures from
2:19:09 > 2:19:16the benches opposite on the benefits of Brexit for fishermen! Potatoes,
2:19:16 > 2:19:21Mr Deputy Speaker, is also, no thank you I would like to make some
2:19:21 > 2:19:27process I've only got three minutes. In Aberdeen, sought or seeds,
2:19:27 > 2:19:32exporting the potatoes to Thailand, Egypt, Israel, Saudi Arabia and
2:19:32 > 2:19:37Brazil. And these are just some examples of what is happening in my
2:19:37 > 2:19:46region. There is a huge interest nationally... Sorry, would you like
2:19:46 > 2:19:51to...I'm grateful to the honourable member for giving way. He is talking
2:19:51 > 2:19:55about the economy. Does he believe the figures that the UK government
2:19:55 > 2:19:58have produced about the head to GDP from leaving the EU? Does he believe
2:19:58 > 2:20:01it was like thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. No, because the figures
2:20:01 > 2:20:05that have been produced about I will be clear, the figures that have been
2:20:05 > 2:20:09produced are not based on what the Prime Ministersaid herself she
2:20:09 > 2:20:14wants to achieve which is a defence vessel relationship with Europe.
2:20:14 > 2:20:18None of those are based on that assumption. So there are huge
2:20:18 > 2:20:23opportunities for Aberdeen and the wider Northeast to use our
2:20:23 > 2:20:27competitive advantage to service the benefit of Brexit. We must set our
2:20:27 > 2:20:33sights on the future, a new global future. It would not be in our
2:20:33 > 2:20:37interest or the EU's interest to see any unnecessary restrictions on
2:20:37 > 2:20:41trade. I am confident that the Prime Minister will deliver a new
2:20:41 > 2:20:44partnership. A bespoke partnership. Which will support our mutual
2:20:44 > 2:20:50interests. The UK is the world's fifth-largest economy. The
2:20:50 > 2:20:55fifth-largest exporter and the second greatest soft power. Our
2:20:55 > 2:21:01worldwide presence in reinforced by our global brands. Our creative
2:21:01 > 2:21:06industries and the reputation of our universities. Bridgen is truly
2:21:06 > 2:21:14global. And we must be ambitious to maximise the Golden Brexit trade
2:21:14 > 2:21:17opportunities that lie ahead of us. Thank you very much, Mr Deputy
2:21:17 > 2:21:27Speaker.
2:21:27 > 2:21:29The approaching constitutional crisis that this government is
2:21:29 > 2:21:33planning to bring about. This Tory government continues to put the
2:21:33 > 2:21:37established as additional order and devolution settlement at risk. With
2:21:37 > 2:21:44their blatant power grab of devolved powers. After months of debating,
2:21:44 > 2:21:49and meetings, they are still struggling to grasp the concept of
2:21:49 > 2:21:55content. Of devolved administrations. We must not cede
2:21:55 > 2:21:59powers devolved under the current devolution settlement going from
2:21:59 > 2:22:03Brussels to Westminster, without consent from Cardiff and Edinburgh.
2:22:03 > 2:22:07During the last meeting of the joint ministerial committee, the Welsh
2:22:07 > 2:22:11Government was told that the UK government would not be pressing
2:22:11 > 2:22:19amendments on this to a vote before further discussions. Today, it is
2:22:19 > 2:22:23down to the Prime Minister and first Minister of both Wales and Scotland
2:22:23 > 2:22:28to try and end this stalemate. But I do not see any new offer coming
2:22:28 > 2:22:33forward, and time is running out. And it is very troubling that even
2:22:33 > 2:22:37though the Welsh Government compromised by accepting several
2:22:37 > 2:22:41rules and regulations currently decided in Brussels will need to be
2:22:41 > 2:22:46operated on a UK wide basis, that this UK government cannot bring
2:22:46 > 2:22:50themselves to reassure the devolved administrations that their consent
2:22:50 > 2:22:57and agreement will be stored. Mr Debbie Speaker, it is just not good
2:22:57 > 2:23:05enough. In Wales, we are being expected to accept decisions up to
2:23:05 > 2:23:1124 policy areas. Agriculture, pesticide, animal welfare, organic
2:23:11 > 2:23:15farming, environment, take all these decisions, taken in Westminster
2:23:15 > 2:23:20without any consultation, without consent, from Cardiff. I will give
2:23:20 > 2:23:27way.How much influence the Welsh government currently has, and works
2:23:27 > 2:23:33within the EU and whether the EU contains consent within the Welsh
2:23:33 > 2:23:36government.I think the honourable member for his question, but he is
2:23:36 > 2:23:42missing the point. We are looking at those powers coming back to
2:23:42 > 2:23:45Westminster. They should be going back to Cardiff and Edinburgh, where
2:23:45 > 2:23:51those powers are devolved. Both Cardiff and Edinburgh, Wales and
2:23:51 > 2:23:55Scotland play a part in those discussions. At EU level, all of the
2:23:55 > 2:24:01time I will give way.I am sure we will agree that the devolution
2:24:01 > 2:24:05settlement is clear, that something is not preserved, is devolved, and
2:24:05 > 2:24:14that is why this does pose... Absolutely. I agree with the
2:24:14 > 2:24:18honourable member, this does constitute an absolute power grab
2:24:18 > 2:24:24from this UK government. Until we see substantial change to the U
2:24:24 > 2:24:29withdrawal bill, there is a need for the continuity bill. It would be
2:24:29 > 2:24:34preferable to continue to protect devolution, by the EU withdrawal
2:24:34 > 2:24:39bill. That is what I want to see. Should agreement not be reached, a
2:24:39 > 2:24:42continuity bill becomes one of the most important pieces of legislation
2:24:42 > 2:24:49ever to be scrutinised by the Welsh Assembly. Can I pay tribute to my
2:24:49 > 2:24:53colleague Mark Drakeford, the Cabinet Secretary and Wales, for
2:24:53 > 2:24:58pursuing this important piece of legislature, in the absence of the
2:24:58 > 2:25:03agreement being forthcoming from this UK Tory government. The Bill is
2:25:03 > 2:25:08a complex piece of legislation, but it is a very clear on its aims. It
2:25:08 > 2:25:13is intended to deal with the inevitable consequences in domestic
2:25:13 > 2:25:19law of withdrawal from the European Union by preserving EU law. Covering
2:25:19 > 2:25:24subjects already evolved to Wales and will enable Welsh Ministers to
2:25:24 > 2:25:29make necessary changes to ensure legislation works at the point of
2:25:29 > 2:25:34withdrawal. That is what we need to see. But Mr Deputy Speaker, it is
2:25:34 > 2:25:40not just car of an Edinburgh that this government has questions to
2:25:40 > 2:25:46answer. It is for people everywhere. My constituency of Cardiff, Wales,
2:25:46 > 2:25:49UK, and to our friends and allies across Europe, after months of this
2:25:49 > 2:25:55government trying to cover-up the impact assessments of Brexit, MPs
2:25:55 > 2:25:59are finally allowed to go and see them. As I did. I made the
2:25:59 > 2:26:04appointment, handed over my phone, which was locked in a covert, and
2:26:04 > 2:26:09was allowed the hour to look at them. A week later, they were
2:26:09 > 2:26:14distributed everywhere. I was concerned, Mr Deputy Speaker, to
2:26:14 > 2:26:19read that the Government's on assessment is that this countrymake
2:26:19 > 2:26:23economic growth will suffer under any of the existing models for a
2:26:23 > 2:26:30future relationship with the EU. Under the worst-case scenario, WTO
2:26:30 > 2:26:37type agreement, which has often been impaled by members of the opposite
2:26:37 > 2:26:44ventures as a perfectly acceptable option, GDP could decline by up to
2:26:44 > 2:26:507.7% over 15 years of cumulative. That was certainly no good news
2:26:50 > 2:26:57anywhere in those impact statements analysis. In the past couple of
2:26:57 > 2:27:00months, I have had my own meetings with representatives from some of
2:27:00 > 2:27:09the most UK businesses, EU businesses, including Airbus,
2:27:09 > 2:27:12L'Oreal, and companies from the pharmaceutical industries to name a
2:27:12 > 2:27:19few. The concerns are always the same. We need more clarity, and a
2:27:19 > 2:27:24solid plan. If we are leaving, the single market and customs Union, how
2:27:24 > 2:27:31would this government ensure that the mad Max reality that Brexit
2:27:31 > 2:27:35secretary himself described will not become reality. If it is not mad
2:27:35 > 2:27:41Max, why is it any time representatives from British
2:27:41 > 2:27:45industry, politics, interact with our European counterparts, in
2:27:45 > 2:27:49Germany, France and elsewhere, we are treated as if we live in Lala
2:27:49 > 2:27:55land. When will this government face the challenges of the unrealistic
2:27:55 > 2:28:00standards of their own internal party politics. That they have set
2:28:00 > 2:28:07to serve their own infatuations of an isolated Britain that has long
2:28:07 > 2:28:11gone. When will this government tell us the truth about the effects of
2:28:11 > 2:28:18leaving a customs union and single market, and offer a plan that at the
2:28:18 > 2:28:23very least, does not feel like a suicide mission. And that safeguards
2:28:23 > 2:28:27the future of our businesses, protecting environmental rights,
2:28:27 > 2:28:31protecting workers' rights, our services, our people, and our
2:28:31 > 2:28:40communities.Vicky Ford.Thank you, as her Deputy Speaker for asking me
2:28:40 > 2:28:47to speak on this debate. The 27 other countries make up our largest
2:28:47 > 2:28:50trading partners, many thousands of jobs on both sides of the channel
2:28:50 > 2:28:55rely on the trade. This is a very sensitive time for our negotiations,
2:28:55 > 2:29:00which are the most complex of our generation. Businesses do need
2:29:00 > 2:29:04clarity, especially on what will happen at our borders, what are
2:29:04 > 2:29:09long-term trade will look like, especially 20th century sectors such
2:29:09 > 2:29:14as pharmaceuticals, the service sector, and thirdly, any clarity on
2:29:14 > 2:29:20what transition or implementation will look like. Honesty and
2:29:20 > 2:29:25transparency is needed. Let us look at the offer from the opposition.
2:29:25 > 2:29:29They say they want to negotiate a customs union with the EU, but the
2:29:29 > 2:29:33Leader of the Opposition always stood up in Coventry and said that
2:29:33 > 2:29:39he wanted to negotiate exemptions in relation to privatisation,
2:29:39 > 2:29:44competition, and Mr Deputy Speaker, the week after that negotiation, I
2:29:44 > 2:29:50was in Brussels. There was not a single country that has a customs
2:29:50 > 2:29:55union with the EU that has an extension state. Even Turkey has to
2:29:55 > 2:30:00comply with all competition rules in accordance with the EU Treaty and EU
2:30:00 > 2:30:05law. When I was in Brussels, time and time again, I ask politicians
2:30:05 > 2:30:08from other EU countries if they would get the UK preferred access to
2:30:08 > 2:30:13the single market, a customs union with the EU, but also allow us an
2:30:13 > 2:30:18extension, and time and time again, those politicians from other EU
2:30:18 > 2:30:24countries looked at me and rolled their eyes. The position of the
2:30:24 > 2:30:28opposition is not honest, it is not achievable, and I believe it is
2:30:28 > 2:30:33deeply misleading. In trade negotiations, the devil is in the
2:30:33 > 2:30:42details. The Prime minister's speech was very welcomed. It moved on a
2:30:42 > 2:30:48huge amount of detail. Especially, I welcomed the detail of the aviation
2:30:48 > 2:30:52sector, the tech sector, and the science and innovation packed. Boy,
2:30:52 > 2:30:57do we need to continue innovation. As well as security. I just want to
2:30:57 > 2:31:05focus on three areas. Firstly, on services. The UK sales data EU and
2:31:05 > 2:31:10services is 40% of the EU trade, it has grown as a percentage of our
2:31:10 > 2:31:15trade in nearly every year. Intraday's modern economy, you
2:31:15 > 2:31:18cannot separate what is good from what is a service. Mr Deputy
2:31:18 > 2:31:22Speaker, I held up my mobile phone. It feels like a good, but the
2:31:22 > 2:31:27content on it are all services. If you sell a cancer scanner today
2:31:27 > 2:31:32across Europe, sell it without manufacturing and maintenance
2:31:32 > 2:31:37contract. It is a service. I am about to buy a new car. It comes
2:31:37 > 2:31:42with a financial lease arrangement. It is a financial service. So,
2:31:42 > 2:31:46walking away with no deal on services is not a good deal. It is
2:31:46 > 2:31:51especially not good on financial services, about 2000 people in my
2:31:51 > 2:31:55constituency that work insurance. But there are hundreds of thousands
2:31:55 > 2:32:01of German savers who have bought life insurance products from British
2:32:01 > 2:32:04life insurance companies. We do need a deal on both sides that covers
2:32:04 > 2:32:10services. On our borders and customs union, we need to have an agreement
2:32:10 > 2:32:15on what happens at her borders, but there is much more to customs union
2:32:15 > 2:32:24and customs negotiations than just terrorists. -- tariffs. In
2:32:24 > 2:32:31particular, the country of origin, for complex manufactured products.
2:32:31 > 2:32:35The British car sector employs about 169,000 people directly, and nearly
2:32:35 > 2:32:401 million if you add everyone indirectly. Many of those cars
2:32:40 > 2:32:46contain components from all over the EU. Under the beauty of rules, those
2:32:46 > 2:32:50cars are not your opinion and not to be a European car, or British enough
2:32:50 > 2:32:56to be a British car. They would become orphan cars, if I can say
2:32:56 > 2:33:01that. And not be eligible under any of our trade agreements, we the EU
2:33:01 > 2:33:05or elsewhere. That is why I think it is particularly helpful that the
2:33:05 > 2:33:10Prime Minister has left open the negotiations, not just on a customs
2:33:10 > 2:33:15agreement, but also on a customs partnership, which is an offer for
2:33:15 > 2:33:22us to mirror the EU customs codes at our borders. My third point, if I
2:33:22 > 2:33:25may, it's on transition, because this is really important. The
2:33:25 > 2:33:29transition period needs to be agreed, and it needs to be agreed
2:33:29 > 2:33:32now. Otherwise, there are real issues. Not just for all those
2:33:32 > 2:33:36people who live in the city, but actually for goods, as well. On the
2:33:36 > 2:33:40back of my mobile phone is a mark, and every product which is placed in
2:33:40 > 2:33:46the market in Europe has a mark. Anything has been imported into the
2:33:46 > 2:33:53UK has to have a marked put on it. The market is with a 12 month
2:33:53 > 2:33:56certificate. If you are importing your mobile phone from elsewhere in
2:33:56 > 2:34:00the world, into the UK, you need someone who can issue a certificate
2:34:00 > 2:34:05that takes you past not just the end of this march, but the end of next
2:34:05 > 2:34:12March. Unless we resolve transition this month, what happens to Marks of
2:34:12 > 2:34:17good place on the market, both here and elsewhere in Europe, will not be
2:34:17 > 2:34:21resolved, because there are not enough notified bodies elsewhere in
2:34:21 > 2:34:27Europe to take the place of the British notified bodies today. May I
2:34:27 > 2:34:32conclude by saying, thank you for getting us to the negotiation point
2:34:32 > 2:34:36today. Achieving the deal in December, and the great move forward
2:34:36 > 2:34:39in the detail from the Prime Minister speech a couple of weeks
2:34:39 > 2:34:46ago. Let's resolve this transition period, by the end of this month, as
2:34:46 > 2:34:49is absolutely crucial. Let's not lose sight of the devil in the
2:34:49 > 2:34:55details negotiations ahead. The leader of the oppositions position
2:34:55 > 2:34:59is not achievable, and we need to focus on finding deals that are.
2:34:59 > 2:35:09Thank you very much.Christian Matheson.Nothing I have seen since
2:35:09 > 2:35:14the referendum has convinced me to lead EU is anything short of an act
2:35:14 > 2:35:18of national lunacy. The case we have seen on these problems with the
2:35:18 > 2:35:24Irish border, or over the Government or even to devote on trade and
2:35:24 > 2:35:27customs, not currently being considered by this House, just adds
2:35:27 > 2:35:30further to that impression. Part of the problem is the Prime minister's
2:35:30 > 2:35:37in addition, to send a letter to demand a hard Brexit, reminding her
2:35:37 > 2:35:42that there are enough names to force a Tory election. For me, that is
2:35:42 > 2:35:45what this business has been about from the start, with David Cameron
2:35:45 > 2:35:53were agreed to a referendum because he had failed to stand up to Ukip.
2:35:53 > 2:35:58Then, and now, it was party before country. Let me say, Mr Deputy
2:35:58 > 2:36:03Speaker, I do not include all honourable members opposite in that
2:36:03 > 2:36:08assessment. I know many share my concerns about rushed to a hard
2:36:08 > 2:36:11Brexit, because they know the catastrophic effect it would bring.
2:36:11 > 2:36:14They must make a stand and not allow their side of the House to be
2:36:14 > 2:36:19dominated by the minority, currently making all the running. And to those
2:36:19 > 2:36:22who have the courage to do so, I pay tribute. It was an interesting
2:36:22 > 2:36:27notion that was floated by my honourable friend to suggest there
2:36:27 > 2:36:31needs to be a free vote on the final bill. That was quite an intriguing
2:36:31 > 2:36:41proposition.
2:38:42 > 2:38:46Similarly in aerospace, needs certainty over a customs union.
2:38:46 > 2:38:52Lights come in and out of airports several times a day carrying flights
2:38:52 > 2:38:56to and from Hamburg and Toulouse without simple customs arrangements
2:38:56 > 2:39:00that brilliant, efficient multi-fat -- multinational manufacturing
2:39:00 > 2:39:06process would be impossible. Aerospace companies also needs
2:39:06 > 2:39:10certainty and quickly. Because of times, we are the opposing the cliff
2:39:10 > 2:39:15edge. I have heard members opposite make the absurd suggestion that we
2:39:15 > 2:39:19should simply align ourselves regulatory processes but the United
2:39:19 > 2:39:21States as a a which demonstrates that those hard-line Brexiteers,
2:39:21 > 2:39:25this is all about ideology and lightning up with the right-wing
2:39:25 > 2:39:30talk America rather than doing what is right and best for the British
2:39:30 > 2:39:33industry for British jobs and skills. Mr Deputy Speaker, I want to
2:39:33 > 2:39:37finish with a final point that was touched upon by my right eye noble
2:39:37 > 2:39:43friend regarding our relations with Russia. I welcome the Prime
2:39:43 > 2:39:48minister's stores today. On Russia. We must be standing up to Putin's
2:39:48 > 2:39:53bullying. We have to ask why Putin is attacking the UK at this time. It
2:39:53 > 2:40:02may be domestic reasons but he does seem focused on the situation here.
2:40:02 > 2:40:05He has already meddled in the euro referendum, more details of which I
2:40:05 > 2:40:08expect to emerge in the coming months. But he knows that by
2:40:08 > 2:40:12isolating ourselves and the EU from our allies who share our values,
2:40:12 > 2:40:18that we are weaker than we were. I strongly support Nato and Britain's
2:40:18 > 2:40:22active membership of that great alliance but the EU is also an
2:40:22 > 2:40:26alliance of security. And when it comes to economic as opposed to God
2:40:26 > 2:40:28for bid military conflict against an aggressor we should be seeking the
2:40:28 > 2:40:34support of our allies there and the EU. Now is not the time to be
2:40:34 > 2:40:36walking away and going it alone when faced with Russia's threats. And I
2:40:36 > 2:40:41hope that in quieter moments honourable members might take time
2:40:41 > 2:40:44to consider whether in light of Putin's grade meddling in our
2:40:44 > 2:40:48democracy, we need to reassess this whole Brexit mass asked not
2:40:48 > 2:40:53currently in the UK's national interests. Putin's tactics are to
2:40:53 > 2:40:57solve Chaos, proved out, discord, confusion and disharmony. All of a
2:40:57 > 2:41:03sudden, surely even the point of Brexit extremists there is a greater
2:41:03 > 2:41:09threat to the UK. In the west than the European Union. I hope they wake
2:41:09 > 2:41:14up to it.My honourable friend I thought made a very consider speech
2:41:14 > 2:41:21earlier on. When you lay down in detail the damage wrecks it would
2:41:21 > 2:41:23do. I don't intend to go over that ground. I want to talk specifically
2:41:23 > 2:41:28about the Scottish government's continuity bill. It is important
2:41:28 > 2:41:32that the House understands precisely what the Government were doing in
2:41:32 > 2:41:38relation to Brexit. But before I do it, I want to comment on two things
2:41:38 > 2:41:42which were said earlier. Firstly by the Member for Berkshire was no
2:41:42 > 2:41:49longer in his place. He spoke about the continuity bill in Scotland. It
2:41:49 > 2:41:56is 140 or so amendments from the Tories. I was a gently to the Tories
2:41:56 > 2:41:59from Scotland that it would have been better if as a block they had
2:41:59 > 2:42:05signed up to amendments to the UK with drawl bill as a block. Resident
2:42:05 > 2:42:10tabling all these amendments to the Scottish legislation. The second
2:42:10 > 2:42:14part I would make to the honourable gentleman rabbit in South, he spoke
2:42:14 > 2:42:19about trade liberalization. I agreed with him. At the moment we are
2:42:19 > 2:42:22hearing an American company, the Harley-Davidson motorcycle company,
2:42:22 > 2:42:27tell us that Donald Trump's tariff regime last £50 million to their
2:42:27 > 2:42:33cost base. Gas will add £50 million to their cost base. If they are
2:42:33 > 2:42:36prepared to damage All-American businesses, it is naive in the
2:42:36 > 2:42:42extreme to assume there will be some kind of a good deal cut for the UK.
2:42:42 > 2:42:48I will take one intervention.Very grateful. I am glad he agrees about
2:42:48 > 2:42:54trade liberalization. Actually EU is the most protectionist organisation
2:42:54 > 2:42:58there is. With high tariffs, all imports coming into the EU and
2:42:58 > 2:43:03actually will be that of off therefore out of it so we can help
2:43:03 > 2:43:06lead the world in liberalizing trade.I know that the Scottish
2:43:06 > 2:43:11branch of the Tory party don't like expert opinion. But the pre-Brexit
2:43:11 > 2:43:15tracery weeks at a loss of up to 10% of GDP. The post Brexit analysis
2:43:15 > 2:43:19says an almost similar amount. Scottish says it was a comparable
2:43:19 > 2:43:23amount. We are faced with a catastrophe. In every circumstance.
2:43:23 > 2:43:30Not only if we go to WTO rules. Better, I think, to fix the problem,
2:43:30 > 2:43:32to maximise the trade, to try and stay within the customs union, to
2:43:32 > 2:43:36accept I think it makes sense the free movement of people rather than
2:43:36 > 2:43:43unicorns and rainbows, which is the Brexit deals favourite slogan. Mr
2:43:43 > 2:43:47Deputy Speaker, I wanted to talk about the Scottish Government's
2:43:47 > 2:43:51continuity bill. It is a bill which prepares Scottish devolved a loss
2:43:51 > 2:43:54for the UK's withdrawal from the European Union. It means that the EU
2:43:54 > 2:44:00loss will be retained after withdrawal, and that the Scottish
2:44:00 > 2:44:03Government will be given the tools needed to make sure these laws keep
2:44:03 > 2:44:08working after withdrawal. It is a devolved version of the UK
2:44:08 > 2:44:13government's EU withdrawal bill. But I want the House to understand that
2:44:13 > 2:44:16the Scottish Government have not rejected out of hand the UK
2:44:16 > 2:44:22government's proposals. Their preferences are actually to rely on
2:44:22 > 2:44:26the UK the EU withdrawal bill. At the Scottish and Welsh government
2:44:26 > 2:44:29continue to seek an agreement with the UK which would allow the
2:44:29 > 2:44:32necessary consent to be given. In this scenario discusses government
2:44:32 > 2:44:36seek to withdraw the continuity bill. However the continuity bill
2:44:36 > 2:44:40has to be introduced now, when it is going to the Scottish Parliament
2:44:40 > 2:44:45now. So that if legislative consent is not given, Scotland's laws will
2:44:45 > 2:44:49still continue to work properly. And when one hears that exclamation, it
2:44:49 > 2:44:54is a rather different explanation to the Uber reunion is directing
2:44:54 > 2:45:02version that we heard from the honourable gentleman from earlier.
2:45:02 > 2:45:05This is important because the UK government's proposed way of
2:45:05 > 2:45:11preparing for withdrawal, the EU withdrawal bill, it requires a
2:45:11 > 2:45:16consent of the Scottish Parliament to become law. But right now neither
2:45:16 > 2:45:22the Scottish Government nor the Welsh government nor won a unanimous
2:45:22 > 2:45:24cross party basis, the Scottish Parliament financing Constitution
2:45:24 > 2:45:30committee, currently agreed that consent should be hidden. I think
2:45:30 > 2:45:34that is extremely important. -- do not agree that consent should be
2:45:34 > 2:45:38given. The Bill allows UK government to take control of the devolved
2:45:38 > 2:45:42powers with the agreement of Scottish bottling. That is why the
2:45:42 > 2:45:45Scottish and Welsh governments have called it a power grab. And the
2:45:45 > 2:45:50financing Constitution committee, or party, they have set it is
2:45:50 > 2:45:55incompatible with the devolution settlement in Scotland. The UK
2:45:55 > 2:45:58government's proposed changes to the EU withdrawal bill did not yet
2:45:58 > 2:46:02addressed this. They would retain the UK government's ability to
2:46:02 > 2:46:05change the limits of devolution without the agreement of the
2:46:05 > 2:46:12Scottish Parliament. And that is important. In that sense, the
2:46:12 > 2:46:15Scottish government's measures differ greatly from the UK
2:46:15 > 2:46:20government bill. The Scottish continuity bill gives the Scottish
2:46:20 > 2:46:23Parliament its full role in the preparation of Scotland's devolved
2:46:23 > 2:46:27loss from EU withdrawal. It also gives the Scottish Parliament and
2:46:27 > 2:46:32enhanced role in scrutinising proposals for changes to laws as a
2:46:32 > 2:46:35result of withdrawal and it makes for different policy choices,
2:46:35 > 2:46:39including retaining and law of the EU charger of fundamental rights. It
2:46:39 > 2:46:44also contains the power to keep pace with EU law for good reason. If we
2:46:44 > 2:46:49are appropriate after the UK chooses and leaves the EU. I will give way,
2:46:49 > 2:46:56yes.Whether he agrees with me that the opposition amendments to the
2:46:56 > 2:46:59Scottish government's withdrawal bill which significantly watered
2:46:59 > 2:47:02down the massive power grab attempt by the Scottish Ministers in
2:47:02 > 2:47:06relation to continuing alignment of the EU multi-think the Scottish
2:47:06 > 2:47:08Government wants for five years, then five years, then five years.
2:47:08 > 2:47:12Does he think that is welcome defeat of the Scottish government to amend
2:47:12 > 2:47:20that milk was yellow -- to amend that Bill?When Conservatives talk
2:47:20 > 2:47:25about eight hours grab in Holyrood, what that is called for is all power
2:47:25 > 2:47:28is coming to Monday. I suspect that he loves the Tories who would settle
2:47:28 > 2:47:33for direct rule of Scotland and the abolition of dismantling of
2:47:33 > 2:47:39devolution completely. I am going to not fall into the trap of the trick
2:47:39 > 2:47:44question from the honourable gentleman. If the question is why
2:47:44 > 2:47:47are the Scottish government introducing this legislation now,
2:47:47 > 2:47:51the truth is that Scotland's laws must simply be prepared for the day
2:47:51 > 2:47:59the UK leaves the EU. If we did nothing, laws such as agriculture or
2:47:59 > 2:48:01food or agricultural support or fruit standards, may fall away
2:48:01 > 2:48:05entirely. Many of us will stop working in the way they were
2:48:05 > 2:48:10intended.It would be disastrous. And that is important.Exactly, sir.
2:48:10 > 2:48:15This has been said by my honourable friends, no, I have given away twice
2:48:15 > 2:48:17and there is no extra minutes. My honourable friends have accepted
2:48:17 > 2:48:22this earlier. That we accept on principle there may be a need for UK
2:48:22 > 2:48:27wide frameworks on some matters. And it is true that the Scottish and UK
2:48:27 > 2:48:30governments have been working with the UK and Wales to investigate
2:48:30 > 2:48:37those issues and explore how those frameworks would work. But it is
2:48:37 > 2:48:40vitally important to recognise and respect the way devolution marks. If
2:48:40 > 2:48:46it is not reserved, it is devolved. If it were not falling to the remit
2:48:46 > 2:48:49of the Scottish Parliament and its company in Europe, then put it into
2:48:49 > 2:48:54the devolved institutions now. And should they require to be a UK wide
2:48:54 > 2:49:00framework, a joint working, then let the UK, the Scot is, the wealth and
2:49:00 > 2:49:04indeed the Northern Irish assembly negotiate that framework -- Welsh.
2:49:04 > 2:49:08What we said we cannot have as a power grab live the powers of the UK
2:49:08 > 2:49:14government are taken back to London and they didn't decide in a very
2:49:14 > 2:49:21patronizing way what, if anything, might be devolved in the future. It
2:49:21 > 2:49:27is completely unacceptable and that sense for the UK government to rip
2:49:27 > 2:49:29up the devolved settlement, because that in a sense is the consequence
2:49:29 > 2:49:35of the power grab. For the 8th of March, the UK government that they
2:49:35 > 2:49:39have drawn up a new list of powers, including ones they say are
2:49:39 > 2:49:42reserved, that had not previously been shared or discussed with the
2:49:42 > 2:49:48Scottish or Welsh government. A year down the line of these negotiations.
2:49:48 > 2:49:51An EU list is drawn up. We have agreed to that list should be
2:49:51 > 2:49:53published for the sake of transparency, but we certainly do
2:49:53 > 2:49:58not agree to the list. I'm not going to give way again. The Scottish
2:49:58 > 2:50:01Government have been asked to sign away the Scottish Parliament's
2:50:01 > 2:50:07powers with no idea how UK wide frameworks will work, how there will
2:50:07 > 2:50:12be governed and how we will go from them being temporary restrictions
2:50:12 > 2:50:14that the UK government wants to agreement green longer-term
2:50:14 > 2:50:21solutions. And despite the UK government's promise, it failed to
2:50:21 > 2:50:24bring forward an amendment and the House of Commons to the flawed
2:50:24 > 2:50:27Clause 11 of the withdrawal bill, those measures are going through the
2:50:27 > 2:50:30Lords but of course that doesn't allow proper debate and displays. --
2:50:30 > 2:50:35those measures are going through the Lords. A new amendment was still
2:50:35 > 2:50:38allow though, the one which has been proposed, the UK government to
2:50:38 > 2:50:40restrict the Scottish Parliament of my powers unilaterally through order
2:50:40 > 2:50:45made in this place. It would be done without requiring the consent of
2:50:45 > 2:50:50either the Scottish Parliament or the Scottish government. Mr Deputy
2:50:50 > 2:50:55Speaker, if Brexit in itself is I believe an unmitigated disaster...
2:50:55 > 2:50:59Hear, hear! The fermentation of this, because it
2:50:59 > 2:51:03has not been thought through and there was no plan, is a frightening
2:51:03 > 2:51:07domain threatening devolution entirely. There is a lack of
2:51:07 > 2:51:11understanding and respect. It is not reserved, it is devolved. So I would
2:51:11 > 2:51:18say to the Minister, and returned to the respect agenda that if it is not
2:51:18 > 2:51:24deserved, devolved now, stop the power grab and give him negotiations
2:51:24 > 2:51:26probably with the devolved administrations so that the UK
2:51:26 > 2:51:31withdrawal bill that actually worked without threatening the powers of
2:51:31 > 2:51:39the other nations within the UK. Hear, hear!
2:51:39 > 2:51:44Thank you Mr Debbie Speaker. The people voted to leave, as did the
2:51:44 > 2:51:47majority of my own constituents. The result was one on a narrow margin,
2:51:47 > 2:51:54but the result was clear, which is what I voted Article 50 full stop
2:51:54 > 2:51:59however, when we triggered, I argued a Brexit deal that reflected the
2:51:59 > 2:52:02narrow margin, and could bring leave and remain voters together. I argued
2:52:02 > 2:52:08then as now, for an NEA based Brexit. Which I will say a little
2:52:08 > 2:52:12more later. Barely a year after that referendum, the Prime Minister
2:52:12 > 2:52:16called an election, which she hopes to secure a mandate for hard Brexit.
2:52:16 > 2:52:21The British people said no. The Prime Minister saw her merit
2:52:21 > 2:52:24majority disappear. Any sensible government would at that point
2:52:24 > 2:52:27except and commit itself to a sensible Brexit. One that can bridge
2:52:27 > 2:52:31the divide, one that accepts that compromises must be made if we are
2:52:31 > 2:52:37to secure a mutually beneficial deal from this process. As Michel Barnier
2:52:37 > 2:52:43famous escalator slide set, it was of little lines but for a candidate
2:52:43 > 2:52:51based free trade. But it Canada based is about as much use a teapot.
2:52:51 > 2:52:55It covers about 80% of the British economy. It does nothing to resolve
2:52:55 > 2:52:59our issues with the EU agencies, which have no position whatsoever
2:52:59 > 2:53:07for third country participation. A Canada based deal leaves to a hard
2:53:07 > 2:53:11order in Ireland. Now, I ensure the Government toadies and extremists
2:53:11 > 2:53:17and backbenchers are going to repeat ad nausea him the prime minister's
2:53:17 > 2:53:22line about bespoke, but to do so, fundamentally misunderstands not
2:53:22 > 2:53:25only this process, but that of all trade negotiations. The fact that
2:53:25 > 2:53:30all trade deals are a blend of off-the-shelf and bespoke. The
2:53:30 > 2:53:35Brexit negotiations are, first of all, deciding on the foundations and
2:53:35 > 2:53:42the foundations have to be based on a basic template, whether it isn't
2:53:42 > 2:53:45FDA or Association model. What you have agreement on the foundations,
2:53:45 > 2:53:50you can then move onto an argument about the doors, the windows and the
2:53:50 > 2:53:54roof of the House. It is clear that the fundamental problem with the
2:53:54 > 2:53:56Government approach to these negotiations has been an inability
2:53:56 > 2:54:01to accept that you must agree that foundational model or template as
2:54:01 > 2:54:05the basis for negotiations going forward. I think it is absolutely
2:54:05 > 2:54:10unforgivable that just over a week from the EU agreeing to the
2:54:10 > 2:54:12guidelines for future relationships phase of our negotiations, the
2:54:12 > 2:54:19Government is still talking about all the things that perhaps it could
2:54:19 > 2:54:23do, rather blue sky, vague, inoffensive, so as not to alienate
2:54:23 > 2:54:27any particular wing of the conservative party. That is a
2:54:27 > 2:54:30profound abdication of duty. And responsibility on the part of the
2:54:30 > 2:54:34Government. It has left a vacuum and allowed the EU to define our destiny
2:54:34 > 2:54:40for us. Ever since the referendum, we have been on the back foot,
2:54:40 > 2:54:43because the Government has utterly failed to define the terms of the
2:54:43 > 2:54:49debate. This leads us, I hope, inexorably and ultimately to the
2:54:49 > 2:54:57conclusion that we need an exit on the basis of an EEA deal. And when a
2:54:57 > 2:55:02customs union provision building on the protocol ten president, or
2:55:02 > 2:55:05seeking something deeper, can provide that overarching framework
2:55:05 > 2:55:09for deal that is not only achievable, but one that is to both
2:55:09 > 2:55:16leave and remain voters desirable. What is more, a based Brexit could
2:55:16 > 2:55:20navigate a path around the Government's redlines. The EEA is
2:55:20 > 2:55:24not the same as in single market, and must not be conflated with it.
2:55:24 > 2:55:34It the EEA is an internal market and three of the four states. The EEA
2:55:34 > 2:55:37excludes fisheries, and agriculture, but the key point here is that the
2:55:37 > 2:55:41EEA is predicated on a fundamental different legal and political
2:55:41 > 2:55:47purpose to that of a single market. Whilst the EU single market
2:55:47 > 2:55:51predicated on the European Union with its aim of ever closer union,
2:55:51 > 2:55:55they DEA internal market is based on the EEA agreement. The purpose of
2:55:55 > 2:55:59which is to, and I quote, promote a continuous balance and strengthening
2:55:59 > 2:56:05of trade and economic relations between contracting parties. So the
2:56:05 > 2:56:10fact is the EEA is a version to the European Community based on the
2:56:10 > 2:56:17terms of the single European act of 1986. Moreover, we have articles 112
2:56:17 > 2:56:21and 113, which allow for the reform of the any four freedoms, including
2:56:21 > 2:56:27the free movement of people. This is Artie been done. The protocol 15
2:56:27 > 2:56:31president, and trying equitable is system, in Liechtenstein, and would
2:56:31 > 2:56:37have been available to the Swiss, had they voted to join the EEA in
2:56:37 > 2:56:421992. It would be a leader at our disposal, should we wish to join the
2:56:42 > 2:56:47EEA. It needs another red line, which is ending the jurisdiction,
2:56:47 > 2:56:51the EEA is overseen by the arbitration court, which would have
2:56:51 > 2:56:57a plurality of UK judges. The court regularly rules, and frequently sets
2:56:57 > 2:57:02precedents that are later followed by the EC J. In the EEA, this House
2:57:02 > 2:57:07would be wholly sovereign. We would see at and to direct effects, and
2:57:07 > 2:57:11writer preservation, we would possess a veto on EEA rules. Once
2:57:11 > 2:57:18more, EEA have considerably shaping powers. As well as retaining an
2:57:18 > 2:57:23influence on the EEA position at the WTO. Alongside possessing our own
2:57:23 > 2:57:27seat at the table as the UK. I will give way to yellow I think the
2:57:27 > 2:57:31Member for giving way. He is making a powerful case about the EEA and
2:57:31 > 2:57:38FTA. I think this is unfortunate describing the candidate deal as a
2:57:38 > 2:57:45chocolate teapot. We do not give free trade and chocolate.Is meant
2:57:45 > 2:57:58to be a quick intervention. You need to explain,.Thank you, Debbie
2:57:58 > 2:58:02Speaker. In short, if you are looking for a common-sense Brexit
2:58:02 > 2:58:07that strikes a pragmatic balance between prosperity and sovereignty,
2:58:07 > 2:58:14then the EEA is the only game in town. Maximum access to the single
2:58:14 > 2:58:17market, with the ability to reform free movement, resolve the Northern
2:58:17 > 2:58:22Ireland issue and the jurisdiction of the EC J, and above all, reunite
2:58:22 > 2:58:26our deeply divided country. I look away.The problem with the EEA, is
2:58:26 > 2:58:33you have to cut-and-paste all EEA rules. Is it a bespoke deal a better
2:58:33 > 2:58:40thing to fight for?I think the honourable Lady. As I said, what
2:58:40 > 2:58:49this has to be is a blend of, a template of a disk bespoke deal. You
2:58:49 > 2:58:54must first of all, in these negotiations, create common ground.
2:58:54 > 2:58:57Territory based on models and templates that are familiar to both
2:58:57 > 2:59:02sides at the negotiating table. Of course, things can be tweaked and
2:59:02 > 2:59:05finesse, but the basic model of the EEA gives us the architecture and
2:59:05 > 2:59:11the certainty that the country so desperately crying out for, it would
2:59:11 > 2:59:15also put the British Government on the front foot rather than leaving a
2:59:15 > 2:59:22vacuum into which the EU has been obliged to step. Mr Deputy Speaker,
2:59:22 > 2:59:25the referendum exposed many of the deep divisions that have existed in
2:59:25 > 2:59:28our country for many years. Divisions between young and old,
2:59:28 > 2:59:37town and city, graduate and not graduate, these came together as we
2:59:37 > 2:59:43coalesced behind tribe remain or tribe leave. We must not let the
2:59:43 > 2:59:47tribalism define our destination. We must come together. We must find a
2:59:47 > 2:59:51way to reunite his country. Define compromise between remain and the
2:59:51 > 2:59:54leave. To place that compromise at the heart of our negotiation
2:59:54 > 3:00:04strategy. And in the EEA of death, we have the answer. Protecting
3:00:04 > 3:00:09marketing access, jobs and opportunity. The answer to a fresh
3:00:09 > 3:00:13and was border in Northern Ireland. The answer to the call to take back
3:00:13 > 3:00:17control on immigration in our courts and in this House. So let us come
3:00:17 > 3:00:22together, let us reunite Britain. That is build an EEA based Brexit.
3:00:22 > 3:00:32Thank you.The first is the potential impact of Brexit on the
3:00:32 > 3:00:41northeast of England.The Met major of the car is manifested in the
3:00:41 > 3:00:46Northeast are imported to the EU. More than 30,000 jobs to the supply
3:00:46 > 3:00:53chain. I have never been one to say after Brexit, but I am concerned
3:00:53 > 3:00:59about preacher investment in the plant. The business energy and job
3:00:59 > 3:01:04strategy select committee said in their report on the impact of
3:01:04 > 3:01:08Brexit, it is difficult to see how it would make economic sense for
3:01:08 > 3:01:16national volume manufacturers, the bulk of the UK, or DiMaggio tariff
3:01:16 > 3:01:26scenario. In single market would be inevitable. The UK jobs could be in
3:01:26 > 3:01:30the hundreds of thousands, and investments in the hundreds of
3:01:30 > 3:01:34millions of pounds. Another example of why many of us on these pages
3:01:34 > 3:01:38call in the UK to remain a member of the single market and also the
3:01:38 > 3:01:43customs union. The same report made explicit that the UK cannot expect
3:01:43 > 3:01:48an expansion of trade over sales with the loss of trade to Europe
3:01:48 > 3:01:51arising from a hard Brexit. It seems senseless to me, to walk away from
3:01:51 > 3:01:58one half of the trade without a strategic means of replacement or
3:01:58 > 3:02:01wishful thinking. The impact assessments the Government tried to
3:02:01 > 3:02:05keep to themselves reveal the potential impact on the Northeast,
3:02:05 > 3:02:12by identifying re-of the major sectors to be hit, chemicals and
3:02:12 > 3:02:14pharmaceuticals, all major industries in the North East of
3:02:14 > 3:02:19England. The impact assessments has determined all the regions and
3:02:19 > 3:02:22nations of the UK, the northeast of England would be the worst hit. This
3:02:22 > 3:02:26is due to the region's strong manufacturing and industrial base,
3:02:26 > 3:02:30which would be exposed most of the changes and trade barriers and
3:02:30 > 3:02:33because we have the greatest dependence on export as a proportion
3:02:33 > 3:02:38of the regional economy. The impact assessments say the Northeast could
3:02:38 > 3:02:43see a decline in its GDP by as much as 16% over 15 years. We can talk
3:02:43 > 3:02:48about a new customs arrangement, frictionless borders as much as we
3:02:48 > 3:02:52like, but all we end up doing is reinventing the wheel, only to
3:02:52 > 3:02:57discover it was not as round as the original. It is no surprise that the
3:02:57 > 3:03:00northeast of England Chamber of Commerce into a statement, following
3:03:00 > 3:03:09the spring statement. In which Ross Smith said the forecast, he is the
3:03:09 > 3:03:15director of policy, the second sentence otherwise could render
3:03:15 > 3:03:18these forecast largely irrelevant and business still have little
3:03:18 > 3:03:23detail to base their planning on. This second issue I want to move
3:03:23 > 3:03:31onto, is the other great strategic importance as well. Not only to the
3:03:31 > 3:03:41UK, but to Europe. Our response to Russia's legacy of law. I do not
3:03:41 > 3:03:46think we should doubt that Russia's intent with Europe is to divide and
3:03:46 > 3:03:54rule. Brexit lays straight into their arms. It wants to see Europe
3:03:54 > 3:04:06divided, but of whom under pressure. It is always the result of the week.
3:04:06 > 3:04:11The Russian state economically is weak, the population is urging its
3:04:11 > 3:04:20major strength,.My collect on the Northeast for giving way. I like to
3:04:20 > 3:04:25point out that the Northeast voted substantially for leave, they would
3:04:25 > 3:04:28actually share his concerns about manufacturing jobs and about
3:04:28 > 3:04:34security.I think my honourable, right honourable friend and
3:04:34 > 3:04:39neighbour, and I think she is right there. It is a shifting opinion now,
3:04:39 > 3:04:42this could damage your prospects for tens of thousands of people in the
3:04:42 > 3:04:51Northeast of England. To get back to Russia, it does not, I do not think
3:04:51 > 3:04:56he wants a kinetic action with Nato, but he wants is weakened and
3:04:56 > 3:05:02distracted. That is why Russia wants to adopt this hybrid that could be
3:05:02 > 3:05:08social, democratic welfare, trying to influence -- influence democratic
3:05:08 > 3:05:19elections. Is it any wonder that he sees him as one of his favourite
3:05:19 > 3:05:22leavers. I endorse the Prime minister's actions today. The
3:05:22 > 3:05:27Salisbury incident is more about spies, the use of the chemical
3:05:27 > 3:05:32weapon on the streets of the UK is also an attack on the principles on
3:05:32 > 3:05:36which we stand, and it must be defended. The House must declare
3:05:36 > 3:05:41which side they stand. This is about defending our way of life, which is
3:05:41 > 3:05:44internationally redacted by rules based on we need to preserve and
3:05:44 > 3:05:53which to seek under nine. From the boosting of its announced nuclear
3:05:53 > 3:06:02capabilities, to a failing economy run by oligarchs. Spreading news of
3:06:02 > 3:06:05the dubious nature throughout Europe and the US. What Russia is trying to
3:06:05 > 3:06:10do is shake our confidence in our way of life. Engage everywhere, yes.
3:06:10 > 3:06:15But to give them the benefit of the doubt, I think it's ridiculous. To
3:06:15 > 3:06:20undermine liberal democracy in the West, a special relationship with
3:06:20 > 3:06:26the US, Nato and the UN, with the EU, a bilateral which have served us
3:06:26 > 3:06:31well for decades. Our leaving the EU, and I just want to say this,
3:06:31 > 3:06:38health Putin. McAfee has always resented what he sees as the living
3:06:38 > 3:06:41of Russia after the collapse of the Soviet Union. He wants to return to
3:06:41 > 3:06:44a world where Russia held call the shots which you cannot do now. The
3:06:44 > 3:06:48next best thing is to weaken those who are sitting at the table. The
3:06:48 > 3:06:55interfere in the US election, the independence movement, that welcome
3:06:55 > 3:07:03extreme sense of hungry's Prime Minister, and of
3:07:04 > 3:07:07Putin believes it is integrated at the Berlin wall came down. Now he
3:07:07 > 3:07:11will play any card or role and he dies to ensure that happens.
3:07:11 > 3:07:20Eventually the UK will not have a seat at the table of the EU. That is
3:07:20 > 3:07:25good for putative. Of course it will continue to engage with the EU, but
3:07:25 > 3:07:31it is better to have that seat at that table, rather than not. Don't
3:07:31 > 3:07:36let us forget Nato is a military alliance, and is the EU that has the
3:07:36 > 3:07:40ability to impose sanctions against Russia, not Nato. Can I say I agree
3:07:40 > 3:07:43with the findings of the foreign affairs Select Committee global
3:07:43 > 3:07:48Britain, the Prime Minister needs to come to this House to with a global
3:07:48 > 3:07:51Britain actually means. Now is the time to defend ourselves as a
3:07:51 > 3:07:56country, unfortunately. And after a rallying cry for what we actually
3:07:56 > 3:08:04believe in as a country. We may have created a difficulty, but our staff
3:08:04 > 3:08:06today is ownership, because the whole argument comes down to values.
3:08:06 > 3:08:17I say to myself as a labour man who in the ... Is prepared to make
3:08:17 > 3:08:20difficult decisions. I think today's the time to make those decisions. I
3:08:20 > 3:08:25believe in Britain as a force for good in the world. We and these
3:08:25 > 3:08:27House and all sites need to stand for the principles that underpin our
3:08:27 > 3:08:32way of life, which is democracy, human rights. These have been the
3:08:32 > 3:08:36foundations of the West for decades. We need not to stand against those
3:08:36 > 3:08:39forces at home and abroad which seemed Na seek to undermine those
3:08:39 > 3:08:43principles.Hear, hear! Figure, Mr Speaker. My honourable
3:08:43 > 3:08:49friend earlier on gave a very compelling exposition of what we
3:08:49 > 3:08:54already have within the single market and the customs union, the
3:08:54 > 3:08:58benefits that we enjoy. And also what we stand to lose from being
3:08:58 > 3:09:06outside of that. And again, I urge the UK government to engage in
3:09:06 > 3:09:10genuine engagement, not token engagement with the default
3:09:10 > 3:09:15administrations. My honourable friend from Dundee East pointed out
3:09:15 > 3:09:18why it is absolutely vital that the Scottish Parliament brings her a
3:09:18 > 3:09:23continuity bill in order to protect the laws of Scotland. He also
3:09:23 > 3:09:29highlighted the naivety over trade with the US. This hope that rainbows
3:09:29 > 3:09:34and unicorns, as the honourable member for the City of Chester said
3:09:34 > 3:09:39earlier on, and a can as I will do urge the UK government to engage
3:09:39 > 3:09:44meaningfully with the devolved administrations. It is something
3:09:44 > 3:09:48that can still be done, even at this late date. But I think everybody is
3:09:48 > 3:09:53getting a bit frustrated by the idea that there was going to be a bespoke
3:09:53 > 3:09:57agreement that is going to be magically produced here. There is a
3:09:57 > 3:10:01hit it and hope attitude from the front bench on the Government.
3:10:01 > 3:10:04Completely ignoring the realities of the modern world. The UK government
3:10:04 > 3:10:08tells us that it is all going to be well and we're supposed to take it
3:10:08 > 3:10:12on trust that that is the case. Yet through this entire process to date,
3:10:12 > 3:10:15they have sought to exclude prominent. They have had to be
3:10:15 > 3:10:22forced to share impact assessments. The have not listened to and
3:10:22 > 3:10:24respected devolved governments. And in this place we still don't have
3:10:24 > 3:10:29answers. Not even about the process. Never mind what the impact will be.
3:10:29 > 3:10:35As the honourable member for for Greenwich and mentioned earlier that
3:10:35 > 3:10:40will be a vote. Ben Foden itself is a bit like Brexit. It is shrouded in
3:10:40 > 3:10:43confusion -- that called itself is that they like Brexit. I much
3:10:43 > 3:10:46Armistead want to be between the location of the final agreements and
3:10:46 > 3:10:52the votes in this place? Asked how much time is like to be between?
3:10:52 > 3:10:56Nobody knows. How long would there be between the vote and the exit
3:10:56 > 3:11:01date? Nobody knows. What additional documentation will be published by
3:11:01 > 3:11:03the governments that accompany the agreement and the declaration?
3:11:03 > 3:11:09Nobody knows. There are lines and lines and lines of things that to
3:11:09 > 3:11:16date nobody knows about this process. It is yet another record...
3:11:16 > 3:11:21We don't have answers to these questions on Parliament to process,
3:11:21 > 3:11:23never mind the answers to the key questions being asked by business
3:11:23 > 3:11:28and my constituents. That is why the Scottish Government has brought
3:11:28 > 3:11:33forward the continuity bill. That is why everyone in the Scottish
3:11:33 > 3:11:40Parliament, apart from the Tories, understands the need for that. It
3:11:40 > 3:11:43retains in domestic law of the EU law currently operating in devolved
3:11:43 > 3:11:49areas. Mr Speaker, they can jump from the benches but what is clear
3:11:49 > 3:11:53is that they are not standing up for Scotland.Hear, hear!
3:11:53 > 3:11:56The continuity bill gives Scottish Ministers the powers needed to
3:11:56 > 3:11:59ensure the default block continues to operate effectively after the UK
3:11:59 > 3:12:08withdrawal. That is a very important point given the range of powers that
3:12:08 > 3:12:13have so far not been agreed to be devolved directly. These powers
3:12:13 > 3:12:16should go straight back to the Scottish Parliament. Even today,
3:12:16 > 3:12:22there has been an other full by Ipsos to show that the Scottish
3:12:22 > 3:12:26people are absolutely unconvinced by the UK government's possession. One
3:12:26 > 3:12:31in eight people think, installing, it would damage the economy. Only
3:12:31 > 3:12:36one in seven think that there is going to be any kind of benefit from
3:12:36 > 3:12:39it. What do we know about economy and trade? We know that the analysis
3:12:39 > 3:12:44for the financial Times that my honourable friend from North East
3:12:44 > 3:12:48Fife pointed to earlier suggested that Brexit is already crossing the
3:12:48 > 3:12:53economy £18 billion a year, or £350 million per week as my honourable
3:12:53 > 3:12:56friend pointed out. That is not money on the side of our bus, that
3:12:56 > 3:13:01is money thrown under a bus. Just lost to us completely.Hear, hear!
3:13:01 > 3:13:05No wonder Scotland economics estimate that Brexit has our recalls
3:13:05 > 3:13:09the average household £404 a year as a result of the falling sterling and
3:13:09 > 3:13:13higher inflation since the vote. The UK government's only impact
3:13:13 > 3:13:17assessment confirms that under also an area of the UK is going to be
3:13:17 > 3:13:23worse off after leaving the EU. Additionally, the analysis also
3:13:23 > 3:13:26shows that UK could be forced to borrow 100 Dundee billion pounds
3:13:26 > 3:13:34more after Brexit he claimed 2019 and 2033 -- £120 billion. Leaving
3:13:34 > 3:13:38the EU customs union and single market would be disastrous for
3:13:38 > 3:13:42Scotland's trading position. It would create barriers to trade such
3:13:42 > 3:13:45as EU tariffs, customs checks, rules of origin and divergent regulatory
3:13:45 > 3:13:50regimes. It could also impede Scottish trade with the rest of the
3:13:50 > 3:13:54world as we stand to lose the benefit of 36 EU free trade
3:13:54 > 3:14:00agreements covering 53 markets. When UK government talks about trading
3:14:00 > 3:14:04with other nations outside the EU, they should remember those very
3:14:04 > 3:14:10agreements have been facilitated by being within the EU. There are many
3:14:10 > 3:14:14benefits to lose. What we do know for the food and drink sector in
3:14:14 > 3:14:18Scotland, that a hard Brexit risks access to Scotland's biggest
3:14:18 > 3:14:22overseas original food and drink export market. It risks Scottish
3:14:22 > 3:14:26competitiveness and increased cost for business. It risks the value and
3:14:26 > 3:14:30reputation of Scottish produce a substantially risks food production
3:14:30 > 3:14:37through the loss of a workforce. We know also that there is no trade
3:14:37 > 3:14:42without transport. What we also know about transport is maintaining and
3:14:42 > 3:14:45improving physical access to European countries and allowing
3:14:45 > 3:14:49transport operators and service providers registered in the UK to
3:14:49 > 3:14:56operate across the EU and vice versa remains a vital component of trade.
3:14:56 > 3:15:00Minimising administrative arrangements for crossing borders,
3:15:00 > 3:15:04for international trade and logistics is absolutely vital. As is
3:15:04 > 3:15:08access to labour. Crucial for our transport network. If I had more
3:15:08 > 3:15:13time I would spend time on what is going to happen to rule Scotland
3:15:13 > 3:15:15without a meaningful deal. What is going to happen to the energy
3:15:15 > 3:15:20market. But I want to finish, Mr Speaker, by saying that so far we
3:15:20 > 3:15:25don't know what is going to happen about Parliament rule. We know the
3:15:25 > 3:15:29continuity bill is a much needed piece of legislation to protect the
3:15:29 > 3:15:32interests of the Scottish people and is devolution settlement. We know
3:15:32 > 3:15:36that the protections business seat and questions they still have will
3:15:36 > 3:15:40remain unanswered by the UK government. We know the impact and
3:15:40 > 3:15:43concerns for our economy and trade. Similarly we know the impacts and
3:15:43 > 3:15:49concerns for the food and drink sector, health and social care for
3:15:49 > 3:15:52transport, for rule Scotland and for our energy market and tourism among
3:15:52 > 3:15:58much more. So what we now need from the Government isn't more rhetoric
3:15:58 > 3:16:02about scaremongering. These are genuine, real concerns and we need
3:16:02 > 3:16:07answers. So I ask this, will the Minster answer the questions about
3:16:07 > 3:16:11the Parliamentary process so that we can do our job of representing our
3:16:11 > 3:16:14constituents and making sure that there is a transparent and open
3:16:14 > 3:16:19process? Will he recognise that the Scottish Government are being asked
3:16:19 > 3:16:21to sign away the Scottish Parliament's powers with no idea of
3:16:21 > 3:16:25how UK wide frameworks will work, how they will be covered and how we
3:16:25 > 3:16:30will go from the temporary restrictions the UK government wants
3:16:30 > 3:16:32him to the green longer-term solutions? And in doing so, will he
3:16:32 > 3:16:36accept that this is not a constructive way to engage with the
3:16:36 > 3:16:42devolved governments?Hear, hear! Mr Speaker, Saturday Saint Patrick's
3:16:42 > 3:16:46Day. Although we don't know where Saint Patrick is actually really
3:16:46 > 3:16:51from, we know that he wasn't Irish. His capture by slaves and the tires
3:16:51 > 3:16:54that broke the Irish Sea at the time, he wasn't entirely welcome
3:16:54 > 3:16:57when he returned as a free man. Although he might find himself quite
3:16:57 > 3:17:03popular attitudes and him on Saturday. Recently the Bristol post
3:17:03 > 3:17:09published an article about the Bristol merchants who under Henry
3:17:09 > 3:17:18the second in 1171 went to Dublin to defend Dublin castle in Ireland. And
3:17:18 > 3:17:21established as an award from that from Henry the second, trading
3:17:21 > 3:17:26posts. There is still some debate as to whether via arrangements whereby
3:17:26 > 3:17:29the Citizens, the merchants of Bristol still applies or whether it
3:17:29 > 3:17:34has been overridden by the 1937 Constitution, something I still
3:17:34 > 3:17:39intend to discuss with the Irish government. I'm going to skip
3:17:39 > 3:17:43through for time. The centuries that lie in between then and now, whereby
3:17:43 > 3:17:47people have flowed between these islands. Mostly in times of
3:17:47 > 3:17:52conflict, often in times of great poverty and desperation. Looking for
3:17:52 > 3:17:55work, trying to settle amongst different parts of this island. 100
3:17:55 > 3:17:59years ago, we were the same country. My grandparents born under the
3:17:59 > 3:18:05auspices of this Parliament, joining John Redmond's Army and the British
3:18:05 > 3:18:12Army in the First World War. Upstairs this week, we have had an
3:18:12 > 3:18:15exhibition of pictures that again depicted the flowing of migrant
3:18:15 > 3:18:20labour after the Second World War. And last week upstairs and one of
3:18:20 > 3:18:25the committee rooms we had the most amazing discussion and presentation
3:18:25 > 3:18:31by former Taoiseach John Bruton about John Redmond and the battles
3:18:31 > 3:18:39that were raised in this House. That was at the invitation of the right
3:18:39 > 3:18:43honourable member of Saint Helen's, it was a truly magnificent meeting.
3:18:43 > 3:18:46London this weekend will have three days of celebration for Saint
3:18:46 > 3:18:49Patrick's Day. When I was a child growing up in London this was a far
3:18:49 > 3:18:52cry from my experience. We had very small parades hidden away on a
3:18:52 > 3:18:58Sunday morning, viewed with rates as they heavily policed. It was a
3:18:58 > 3:19:01welcome parade on the streets of London. My first experience across
3:19:01 > 3:19:07the Irish border was in 1985. I was only 21 years of age. It was a
3:19:07 > 3:19:10shocking experience for me at that time. It was a horrendous experience
3:19:10 > 3:19:15which I won't go into now. But over the next 30 years I have witnessed
3:19:15 > 3:19:21the most phenomenal transformation. Of that experience. And I would urge
3:19:21 > 3:19:27that the Secretary of State and the Prime Minister to try and visit
3:19:27 > 3:19:30parts of that border now, to try and understand exactly what is at stake.
3:19:30 > 3:19:35Because they could Friday Belfast agreement was not just about
3:19:35 > 3:19:37Northern Ireland and it wasn't just about Ireland, it was not about a
3:19:37 > 3:19:41border. It is about the freedom of movement across people of these
3:19:41 > 3:19:46islands and the deep, deep roots that they have. It is also greatly
3:19:46 > 3:19:51important to the Irish community that are settled here, who had seen
3:19:51 > 3:19:54the experience of being Irish in this country transformed over the
3:19:54 > 3:20:00last 30 years. The normalisation of relations was hard fought for and we
3:20:00 > 3:20:03need to preserve it. For the first time we have an international treaty
3:20:03 > 3:20:06between our countries based on mutual respect and on shared
3:20:06 > 3:20:10interests after those centuries of conflict. It is an exemplar across
3:20:10 > 3:20:16the world. The House of Lords voted on the border was that there was a
3:20:16 > 3:20:18distinction between identifying solutions that are theoretically
3:20:18 > 3:20:22possible and applying them to a few hundred mile border with hundreds of
3:20:22 > 3:20:24formal and informal crossings, and the existence of what is politically
3:20:24 > 3:20:29divisive. And physical infrastructure at the border would
3:20:29 > 3:20:33be politically contentious and in the view of PPS and I, police and
3:20:33 > 3:20:39security forces, a security risk. The December agreement talked about
3:20:39 > 3:20:43in paragraph 47, a mapping exercise. I have asked this question in this
3:20:43 > 3:20:46place before. I have written to the Prime Minister. If we can please
3:20:46 > 3:20:53have published that mapping exercise. We need to into the facade
3:20:53 > 3:20:57that there really can be any kind of different customs and alignment
3:20:57 > 3:21:00ratings across these islands, or any unilateral change to the current
3:21:00 > 3:21:05provisions. From Saint Patrick and the Bristol merchants wanderings to
3:21:05 > 3:21:08be billions of pounds and movements that are traded across these
3:21:08 > 3:21:13islands, it is the great people of these islands that expect to be able
3:21:13 > 3:21:16to move and trade freely, and any dilution of that will not be
3:21:16 > 3:21:24acceptable to any of us.Hear, hear!
3:21:24 > 3:21:28Thank you Mr Speaker. It is a pleasure to follow that speech, and
3:21:28 > 3:21:32I was glad I was cheered to hear it. I'll just say before I began, best
3:21:32 > 3:21:35wishes from the member from Worcester, who is about to embark
3:21:35 > 3:21:40upon the most challenging and rewarding experience of his life. It
3:21:40 > 3:21:44is not Brexit, he is due to have a baby on Friday, I believe. Our
3:21:44 > 3:21:50thoughts of all of us are with him. Mr Speaker, this has been an
3:21:50 > 3:21:54interesting afternoon of speeches, not so much debate as a collection
3:21:54 > 3:21:58of thoughts, from MPs and all matters Brexit related, and
3:21:58 > 3:22:02excellent though the conjugations have been, it seems to me what we
3:22:02 > 3:22:07had just taken part in is what is known as displacement activity. That
3:22:07 > 3:22:11is the Parliamentary equivalent of scratching 1's head when confused.
3:22:11 > 3:22:19Why is there no vote? No opportunity to express Parliament's views today?
3:22:19 > 3:22:22Because the Government is afraid of its Parliament and of its own party.
3:22:22 > 3:22:26I have served in Parliament now opposite free governments, and none
3:22:26 > 3:22:32of them has been any good, but none has lacked confidence like this one.
3:22:32 > 3:22:36As the member from Chester said, we have a Tory party utterly riveted in
3:22:36 > 3:22:40government by the task that will define it was out how we lead the
3:22:40 > 3:22:43European Union. It is the single most important question this
3:22:43 > 3:22:49generation of MPs has ever likely to face. The Government has to be
3:22:49 > 3:22:54forced to give us a meaningful vote on it. There is one issue that
3:22:54 > 3:22:59exposes the miserable inadequacy of the Government's leadership more
3:22:59 > 3:23:04than anything else, and that is the Irish border. The Government has no
3:23:04 > 3:23:09clue how to ensure a frictionless open border in Ireland. It is an
3:23:09 > 3:23:13outrage that our prime Minister says that she is looking at the example
3:23:13 > 3:23:16of the border between the United States and Canada. That is one of
3:23:16 > 3:23:22the worst examples I can think of, so can the Minister confirm that the
3:23:22 > 3:23:25Prime Minister has finished looking at that particular example and has
3:23:25 > 3:23:32ruled out. I do hope so. When was the Secretary of State for the
3:23:32 > 3:23:34European union visit the Irish border? I understand he has never
3:23:34 > 3:23:39been. This is unacceptable. The honourable member from Bristol
3:23:39 > 3:23:44South, with her excellent knowledge of all things Irish, I would be
3:23:44 > 3:23:48happy to take him, following her outstanding speech, I am sure. She
3:23:48 > 3:23:53is nodding. The hard Brexiteers have no suggestions on how to solve this
3:23:53 > 3:23:57issue, only redlines and outrage of epic proportions directed at anyone
3:23:57 > 3:24:01who dares to suggest a sensible way forward. Where is the Government's
3:24:01 > 3:24:08legal text of the phase one agreement? The EU published theirs
3:24:08 > 3:24:12on the 25th of February. Where is Iris? The Labour Party thinks we
3:24:12 > 3:24:18should remain, and there is wide support for this in industry,
3:24:18 > 3:24:21particularly in manufacturing. It was safeguard jobs, help resolve the
3:24:21 > 3:24:28Irish border, and give certainty, but the Government has rejected this
3:24:28 > 3:24:33position, it is buffeted by hot air from his backbenchers, not because
3:24:33 > 3:24:35it is putting the interest of the country first. The Government should
3:24:35 > 3:24:42also listen, when she talks of the importance of services and nine
3:24:42 > 3:24:50tariff barriers. When the former top civil service or trade, says we are
3:24:50 > 3:24:53rejecting a three course meal for a packet of crisps. He has a point.
3:24:53 > 3:25:04But rather than brigade in Beit, -- engage in debate, we are just over a
3:25:04 > 3:25:07year to exit and the Government has so little to say on important
3:25:07 > 3:25:13issues. Precisely, which areas does the Government wants to divert on
3:25:13 > 3:25:17and deregulate? What does the Government intend that transitional
3:25:17 > 3:25:23period will look like? Will be easy J have jurisdiction and on what? How
3:25:23 > 3:25:27would the Government ensure an open border in Ireland, without a customs
3:25:27 > 3:25:32union? Where is the Immigration Bill? Why is it delayed? When will
3:25:32 > 3:25:36the trade and customs bills return to this House? As the member from
3:25:36 > 3:25:40Preston said, the Government is afraid of this House, because it
3:25:40 > 3:25:46knows there is a majority in this House for a customs union. Labour
3:25:46 > 3:25:51would have a much clearer approach. We respect the referendum result and
3:25:51 > 3:25:57accept that Britain is leading the European Union. My constituency,
3:25:57 > 3:26:01like the member from Sedgefield, voted to leave, so we understand
3:26:01 > 3:26:06that our constituents voted to leave the EU, not to be poorer or less
3:26:06 > 3:26:11safe. Remaining in a customs union makes people safe and they know that
3:26:11 > 3:26:16we are putting their jobs first. They understand why the Labour Party
3:26:16 > 3:26:22is taking the position that it does. Unlike some others, we want to a
3:26:22 > 3:26:27close future relationship with the EU, based on our values of
3:26:27 > 3:26:30internationalism, solidarity and equality. Maintaining rights,
3:26:30 > 3:26:34standards and protections. We would seek a deal that gives full access
3:26:34 > 3:26:37to European markets and maintains the benefits of the single market,
3:26:37 > 3:26:41and a customs union, holding the Government to what the Brexit
3:26:41 > 3:26:44secretary promised in the House of Commons, with no impediments that
3:26:44 > 3:26:52are new to trade. We would negotiate a new UK, EU union, so there are no
3:26:52 > 3:26:58tariffs with Europe, and a hard order in Ireland. I would seek to
3:26:58 > 3:27:03negotiate a say on any new EU trade deal terms, labour does not believe
3:27:03 > 3:27:08that deals with the USA or China both of which have weaker standards
3:27:08 > 3:27:12and regulations, would be likely to compensate for a significant loss of
3:27:12 > 3:27:19trade with our trading neighbours in the EU. Nor do we believe that being
3:27:19 > 3:27:25part of the customs union with the EU prevents us trading extensively
3:27:25 > 3:27:32with nine EU countries. Germany's largest trading partner is China. As
3:27:32 > 3:27:37they said, the idea that being in a customs union Princess trading
3:27:37 > 3:27:43globally is a nonsense. We will never accept our NHS or other public
3:27:43 > 3:27:49services being part of any trade deal with comp's America. As the
3:27:49 > 3:27:52member from Stratham said, just look at what he intends for our steel
3:27:52 > 3:27:58industry. As a member from Cardiff North, labour believes the devolved
3:27:58 > 3:28:04policy areas exercised by the EU should go directly to the relevant
3:28:04 > 3:28:08devolved body, unless the UK government can make a compelling
3:28:08 > 3:28:14case, for that power to be held at Westminster. In all these areas, the
3:28:14 > 3:28:21Labour Party has out an approach that is pragmatic, respects the
3:28:21 > 3:28:25referendum results, and pushed its national interest first. How long
3:28:25 > 3:28:31until the Government does the same? As the member from... Said, how long
3:28:31 > 3:28:35until the Government works to reunite the country? How many days
3:28:35 > 3:28:38of general debate does this government think we are going to
3:28:38 > 3:28:43need before it dares to present Parliament with an actual decision.
3:28:43 > 3:28:47The Government has limped along for long enough. It is tied it stopped
3:28:47 > 3:28:52listening to noisy bluster, pulled itself together, and secured a good
3:28:52 > 3:29:02deal for Britain.Wayne Walker to reply.Thank you for her kind words.
3:29:02 > 3:29:06As Mike honourable friend from Chelsea, said in his opening
3:29:06 > 3:29:13remarks, it is a time for debate. We are approaching a crucial moment. We
3:29:13 > 3:29:17are ambitious about what can be achieved, as the Prime Minister set
3:29:17 > 3:29:21out in her speech. The UK is seeking the broadest and deepest possible
3:29:21 > 3:29:25agreement. We are making real progress. At the end of last year,
3:29:25 > 3:29:28we agreed on key elements, and are in the process of turning that into
3:29:28 > 3:29:36a draft. This is Longwell and the last weeks. Code defining the draft
3:29:36 > 3:29:37report on citizens rights, negotiations are progressing
3:29:37 > 3:29:44positively. Northern Ireland, which the honourable Lady spoke of so
3:29:44 > 3:29:47well, there remained steadfast to the Belfast agreement, including a
3:29:47 > 3:29:53hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland. Also, a commitment
3:29:53 > 3:29:57to avoiding all borders in United Kingdom. We are working intensively
3:29:57 > 3:30:02to achieve our immediate goal of an implementation period by the March
3:30:02 > 3:30:07European Council, but the EK and the EU have published text on their
3:30:07 > 3:30:10withdrawal agreement, and there is significant common ground. But there
3:30:10 > 3:30:14remain some issues to be discussed further. We put forward practical
3:30:14 > 3:30:19solutions which will help to have a smooth exit which will protect EK --
3:30:19 > 3:30:28UK and EU. Including in relation to any new EU laws. We look forward to
3:30:28 > 3:30:32continuing discussions with the EU and remain confident we will reach
3:30:32 > 3:30:34an agreement by March European Council by next week. As my
3:30:34 > 3:30:41honourable friend pointed out, that is absolutely vital. Over the coming
3:30:41 > 3:30:44weeks and months, the UK and the EU will continue to push ahead in all
3:30:44 > 3:30:47areas with the aim of reaching a complete withdrawal agreement in
3:30:47 > 3:30:54October. The Prime Minister has a set out an ambitious vision, the UK
3:30:54 > 3:30:58is seeking with the EU. We are seeking a deepest agreement which
3:30:58 > 3:31:04establishes greater cooperation and any pre-existing trade agreement.
3:31:04 > 3:31:09The EU has a long track record of such the spoke agreements with key
3:31:09 > 3:31:14partners. Our proposals include specific proposals across our
3:31:14 > 3:31:18economy include good Psalmist says, and fisheries, and I can assure my
3:31:18 > 3:31:25honourable friend, that we will be leading the common fisheries policy
3:31:25 > 3:31:31when we leave the EU. There are five foundations that must underpin our
3:31:31 > 3:31:35future trading agreements. Reciprocal agreement, for fair
3:31:35 > 3:31:39competition. Independent arbitration mechanism. An ongoing dialogue with
3:31:39 > 3:31:43the EU, especially between regulators. An arrangement for data
3:31:43 > 3:31:47protection, that goes beyond the adequacy agreement. Appoint my
3:31:47 > 3:31:51honourable friend made the case for extremely well. And finally, but
3:31:51 > 3:31:56inwardly, maintaining links between our people. A fundamental principle
3:31:56 > 3:32:00in our negotiation strategy for goods is portrayed the EU, UK
3:32:00 > 3:32:07border. We are seeking a comprehensive plan to assure we need
3:32:07 > 3:32:12to go one series of rubles in one country. This can be achieved, to
3:32:12 > 3:32:16ensure the predatory standards remain as high at the EU, which, in
3:32:16 > 3:32:19practise, means the standards will remain substantially similar in the
3:32:19 > 3:32:24future. Our default is for UK law may not be necessarily identical,
3:32:24 > 3:32:29but should achieve the same outcome. In some cases, Parliament could
3:32:29 > 3:32:34choose to pass an identical law. The Parliament could also decide not to
3:32:34 > 3:32:38achieve the same outcome, but it would do so knowing there will be
3:32:38 > 3:32:41consequences for market access. As I set out, at the launch of their
3:32:41 > 3:32:46consumer charter, it has always played a key role, and we'll
3:32:46 > 3:32:52continue to do so as we leave the EU. On services, where my honourable
3:32:52 > 3:32:55friend made such a powerful case about the importance of trade in
3:32:55 > 3:32:58services, we want an agreement that is broader than any agreement
3:32:58 > 3:33:01before. We do not want to discriminate against EU service
3:33:01 > 3:33:05providers in the UK, and we would not want the EU to discriminate
3:33:05 > 3:33:11against the UK. That would mean a lemonade any new barriers, and
3:33:11 > 3:33:16agreeing on a mobility framework, that enables firms and self-employed
3:33:16 > 3:33:18professionals to provide across-the-board services. Either
3:33:18 > 3:33:23face-to-face, the phone or Internet. We would want to continue to
3:33:23 > 3:33:26recognise qualifications of each other's professions. As my
3:33:26 > 3:33:34honourable friend from East River toured spoke, I can assure him that
3:33:34 > 3:33:38the Prime Minister of the Chancellor in the recent speeches, and I agree,
3:33:38 > 3:33:41with the importance of reaching an arrangement in this sector. After we
3:33:41 > 3:33:45have left the EU, the UK will push for the greater liberalization of
3:33:45 > 3:33:50the greater services market, represents around 20% of the value
3:33:50 > 3:33:55of world trade, but accounted for 45% of the value of UK exports in
3:33:55 > 3:34:002016. Services are important, of a growing supply chain, while digital
3:34:00 > 3:34:03technology is continuing to make more and more services. The Prime
3:34:03 > 3:34:12Minister accepted in her house speech, and the chair of the select
3:34:12 > 3:34:15committee as Frank, in certain ways, access to each other's market will
3:34:15 > 3:34:18be less than is now. We understand you cannot have all the benefits of
3:34:18 > 3:34:23the civil without obligations. Without all its obligations. We seek
3:34:23 > 3:34:27a new balance of those benefits. And obligations. As the Prime Minister
3:34:27 > 3:34:32has made clear, will be leaving the customs union. It has the extendable
3:34:32 > 3:34:37external border, which sends out identical tariffs will stop trade
3:34:37 > 3:34:43policy is excluded as -- exclusive competence. Our own independent
3:34:43 > 3:34:49trade policy. The honourable member for Brent North, described it as
3:34:49 > 3:34:58deeply unattractive. Also explained, it would be a disaster. It leaving
3:34:58 > 3:35:01the EU customs union and establishing a new arrangement, we
3:35:01 > 3:35:06will be able to set up our own individual tariff arrangement, with
3:35:06 > 3:35:09our partners around the world. I did want to touch very briefly on the
3:35:09 > 3:35:14issue of security, which the right honourable gentleman and many others
3:35:14 > 3:35:22raised. We seek a deep in and comprehensive, our commitments to EU
3:35:22 > 3:35:25security should be non-negotiable, but as the Prime Minister said, in
3:35:25 > 3:35:29her speech, the job now is to get on with it and deliver the best outcome
3:35:29 > 3:35:33for the UK exit from the European Union. That is what we are
3:35:33 > 3:35:47determined to do.I beg to move that the debate now be adjourned.The
3:35:47 > 3:35:57ayes have it. Bring it is now adjourned. Patricia Gibson.Thank
3:35:57 > 3:36:01you, Mr Speaker. I am delighted to have secured this debate will stop I
3:36:01 > 3:36:08really wish it was not necessary. I apologise for the crabby sound of my
3:36:08 > 3:36:16voice as I struggle through this speech.
3:36:16 > 3:36:19I have been tabling for this debate in November when the closers of RBS
3:36:19 > 3:36:26plans in my constituency were first announced. I have had the misfortune
3:36:26 > 3:36:32to have secured... I'm losing my voice. So you can make of that what
3:36:32 > 3:36:40you will. Since November, I have spoken in three debates to in bank
3:36:40 > 3:36:45closures. Several letters to the chief executive of RBS and half
3:36:45 > 3:36:50raised the matter with the Scottish affairs committee chair with just
3:36:50 > 3:36:52him and the chief executive of RBS. Hear, hear!
3:36:52 > 3:36:58.I have also held street stalls with SMB local councils and
3:36:58 > 3:37:01activists and volunteers on, Saturdays in the affected towns
3:37:01 > 3:37:06since Christmas, collecting signatures for a Parliamentary
3:37:06 > 3:37:09petition. Testing against these closures which will be presented in
3:37:09 > 3:37:15this place in the coming weeks. The reason to follow this activity is
3:37:15 > 3:37:22because of the real anger and betrayal felt by the people in those
3:37:22 > 3:37:26constituencies, at the loss of these banks and their counsel Scott RBS is
3:37:26 > 3:37:29a bank that belongs to them. They audit fee if the Government.Hear,
3:37:29 > 3:37:33hear! A bank was bailed out from his own
3:37:33 > 3:37:38mistakes and mismanagement by their taxes. Now their same bang is
3:37:38 > 3:37:41leaving the community without a backward glance, without any sense
3:37:41 > 3:37:45of social responsibility to worse the very communities upon whose
3:37:45 > 3:37:53taxes the banks very continued existence relied. Many communities
3:37:53 > 3:37:55in Scotland will be left without a bank following the latest
3:37:55 > 3:38:00announcement of closures. My own constituency, it brings the total
3:38:00 > 3:38:11number of towns with no bank to a staggering six. The towns no longer
3:38:11 > 3:38:16have a bank, and now after these latest round of closures should they
3:38:16 > 3:38:23go ahead? We can add one more to that list. It will be a town of over
3:38:23 > 3:38:2816,000 people with no banking facilities.Absolutely shocking.And
3:38:28 > 3:38:34it would be funny if it were not so appalling and ridiculous. I
3:38:34 > 3:38:37honestly, Mr Speaker, do not think any other constituency in the United
3:38:37 > 3:38:46Kingdom has been adversely, so cruelly hit. Indeed the banks state
3:38:46 > 3:38:51of inertia is that a staggering rate. I will give way.I would like
3:38:51 > 3:38:55to thank the honourable Lady and mention her courage in getting
3:38:55 > 3:38:59through this debate. Would she agree with me that this is a particularly
3:38:59 > 3:39:05badly hit by bank closures, such as in Northeast vice where RBS calls
3:39:05 > 3:39:10them I closed all but one?I do indeed. That is something, Mr
3:39:10 > 3:39:16Speaker, I will than to my speech. My cognizance has been shown of the
3:39:16 > 3:39:19consequences of communities that the banks are supposed to serve without
3:39:19 > 3:39:28a backward glance.The timely debate on the whole issue about things. Not
3:39:28 > 3:39:38only does it affect business here, but nationally. Closures, people are
3:39:38 > 3:39:46left to their own devices. It is a national thing. And that is the
3:39:46 > 3:39:50thank you the public and for billing the banks out in the first place.
3:39:50 > 3:39:53Indeed, and the honourable gentleman has put his finger on the rails
3:39:53 > 3:39:57source of the anger here, the sons of abandonment. The sense of being
3:39:57 > 3:40:01left to their own devices with no facilities, other facilities upon
3:40:01 > 3:40:04which to rely despite the fact that the bank exist because the taxpayer
3:40:04 > 3:40:12make sure that it did.Congratulate the honourable Lady in bringing
3:40:12 > 3:40:19forward this motion to be considered and thank her for giving us a chance
3:40:19 > 3:40:22in a small way. Paul's honourable leading, the fact that banking is
3:40:22 > 3:40:28increasingly moving online is hard for urban and rural communities who
3:40:28 > 3:40:32are geographically isolated from the physical bank. About broadband and
3:40:32 > 3:40:37Internet backing... Does the honourable Lady feel that this
3:40:37 > 3:40:42should be clearly a concern before any proposals that place?Indeed.
3:40:42 > 3:40:45The Commons the honourable gentleman make code to the very heart of the
3:40:45 > 3:40:51issue of financial inclusion. Social inclusion in the point that he makes
3:40:51 > 3:40:53about digital exclusion. So these things have to be worked out
3:40:53 > 3:41:00together. In some kind of organised fashion. Of course closing the last
3:41:00 > 3:41:05bank in town is something of which the RBS and one point of its history
3:41:05 > 3:41:09wanted not to do. But now it is twisting itself into also associates
3:41:09 > 3:41:12to associate itself asked to dissociate itself from the earlier
3:41:12 > 3:41:17promise. I suppose the appeal of the PR man for RBS found that Val very
3:41:17 > 3:41:22unattractive. But now it seems that it is embarrassed by it and no
3:41:22 > 3:41:26longer holding to it. We have heard a little bit tonight about banking
3:41:26 > 3:41:34online. We hear about this a lot. I accept, and we all except that many
3:41:34 > 3:41:40people now choose to bank online. There is an argument about that and
3:41:40 > 3:41:43for those who choose to bank online or visit their lifestyle and their
3:41:43 > 3:41:46needs, thinkable to them. But many do not bank online. For a whole
3:41:46 > 3:41:51variety of reasons. Many, as the honourable gentleman said, choose
3:41:51 > 3:41:54not to do so because they are digitally excluded. It is a choice
3:41:54 > 3:42:00that they are not able to make. I will give way.Barry at this point
3:42:00 > 3:42:05because the resolution and the country sectors were in relation
3:42:05 > 3:42:09broadband. A lot of the will have problems with BT and broadband. That
3:42:09 > 3:42:16is an issue that ultimately denies people the opportunity to go online.
3:42:16 > 3:42:19The honourable judgement is right. The banks talk about online banking
3:42:19 > 3:42:22as though it is a choice. For many people it is not a choice. They are
3:42:22 > 3:42:28digitally excluded. Many people may not be digitally excluded, but they
3:42:28 > 3:42:32may simply decide that online banking for whatever reason is not
3:42:32 > 3:42:35for them. Mr Speaker, for the record I put myself in that category. I
3:42:35 > 3:42:43choose not to bank online. The point is, Mr Speaker, it should be up to
3:42:43 > 3:42:47the customer to choose how and when bending.Hear, hear!
3:42:47 > 3:42:52It is not up to the banks to make that decision for us. What we have
3:42:52 > 3:42:56now, Mr Speaker, is a situation most cynically or the banks have decided
3:42:56 > 3:42:59that those of us who have chosen not to bank online must be herded into
3:42:59 > 3:43:07that particular pain, despite our will.I congratulate and commend my
3:43:07 > 3:43:10honourable friend for securing the debate in the way she is presenting
3:43:10 > 3:43:13our argument which is very strong. Could she comment on the feeling,
3:43:13 > 3:43:16the strength of feeling on the figures that have been released or
3:43:16 > 3:43:20have not been released by RBS around the fruit fall figures in their
3:43:20 > 3:43:22branches? Certainly there is a feeling and energy where they're
3:43:22 > 3:43:27trying to close one of my branches that they have not provided
3:43:27 > 3:43:29sufficient or accurate information around justifying those closures,
3:43:29 > 3:43:32which is very concerning -- in Airdrie?The honourable judgement is
3:43:32 > 3:43:39correct. We have all seen our own constituencies. The jiggery-pokery
3:43:39 > 3:43:41which has taken place with regard to the presentation of these figures
3:43:41 > 3:43:45which do not reveal... I'm hoping that is the first time that instead
3:43:45 > 3:43:54in hindsight. Jiggery-pokery.I've heard the term used previously by
3:43:54 > 3:43:56the honourable gentleman for North East Somerset.LAUGHTER
3:43:56 > 3:44:02Thank you for that clarification, Mr Speaker. We do know that there has
3:44:02 > 3:44:06been jiggery-pokery, there's been all sorts of nefarious goings on
3:44:06 > 3:44:10about how these figures are presented. The colleagues are
3:44:10 > 3:44:13shouting the words slipped it to me, which may well indeed cover that
3:44:13 > 3:44:17particular practise that is going on. But the point is it is not
3:44:17 > 3:44:21correct that customers are herded into the pain of online banking, a
3:44:21 > 3:44:26place where they have up to this one chosen or perhaps been unable to go.
3:44:26 > 3:44:31But we have been forced down this road by banks as they shut up shop.
3:44:31 > 3:44:35And if we insist that we do not want to thank Almighty attitude from too
3:44:35 > 3:44:38many banks and conversations I have had, Mr Speaker, with banking
3:44:38 > 3:44:41officials of who shall remain nameless, the attitude if people
3:44:41 > 3:44:46choose not to bank online is for the banks collectively to shrug their
3:44:46 > 3:44:49shoulders and say more or less severe self, but still shutting a
3:44:49 > 3:44:57bank.Hear, hear! Thank you for securing the debate.
3:44:57 > 3:45:04Thank you for what you have done in your constituency, and thank you for
3:45:04 > 3:45:11using jiggery-pokery that I can understand.LAUGHTER
3:45:11 > 3:45:19Different party issue. Join me in expressing that none of the ten
3:45:19 > 3:45:25banks that were given that reviewed the Matt repeats that the ten month
3:45:25 > 3:45:28reprieve instantly a stay of the ten month reprieve instantly a stay of
3:45:28 > 3:45:31this occasion and derisory for the people of Scotland. RBS could do
3:45:31 > 3:45:36better for the people that have been customers for generations at RBS. It
3:45:36 > 3:45:41has let down the people who made the RBS.I think the honourable
3:45:41 > 3:45:44gentleman for that intervention, and he is right. The ten banks that have
3:45:44 > 3:45:47been given a reprieve are not enough. Me of course I would be
3:45:47 > 3:45:52disappointed that none of them are there. Always the banks have been
3:45:52 > 3:45:55reprieved well, I wish we did at the other 52 earmarked for closure and
3:45:55 > 3:45:58Scotland to the list of reprieved banks because if we could give a
3:45:58 > 3:46:01reprise to be banks in my constituency I am quite sure that we
3:46:01 > 3:46:06would make every effort to persuade RBS thereafter that the reprieve was
3:46:06 > 3:46:10a permanent state. But obviously the goal would be to see if every bank.
3:46:10 > 3:46:13I'll come back to that later because I see the Minister looking at me
3:46:13 > 3:46:22with a bit of alarm. LAUGHTER The one question, Mr Speaker, I
3:46:22 > 3:46:25would throw out there in terms of digital exclusion will stop the
3:46:25 > 3:46:28banks are often fond of telling us that we don't need to have our
3:46:28 > 3:46:31branches, we can bank on mine. I would like to know what RBS in
3:46:31 > 3:46:34particular who are behind these closures, I would like to know what
3:46:34 > 3:46:39their advice would be to customers who are digitally excluded. Where do
3:46:39 > 3:46:42they go when the last RBS in town closes? How do they access banking
3:46:42 > 3:46:50services?I think the honourable member for giving mentioned to me.
3:46:50 > 3:46:54An excellent speech. One of the things that RBS like to claim is
3:46:54 > 3:46:57they've got these mobile things going around. One of which comes
3:46:57 > 3:47:02into my constituency at Dundee West. But does my honourable member of
3:47:02 > 3:47:06group me that how we often arrive 48 short period of time, they have
3:47:06 > 3:47:10steps to get in so those who are disabled cannot get him. When it is
3:47:10 > 3:47:14raining you are spending their often for half an hour to get service. The
3:47:14 > 3:47:17very people who are not only digitally excluded are the very
3:47:17 > 3:47:20people who come for that essential service.Hear, hear!
3:47:20 > 3:47:26The honourable judgement is correct. RBS have informed me that in my
3:47:26 > 3:47:30constituency that will replace the branches with mobile banks.
3:47:30 > 3:47:33Completely, unsatisfactory situation.Hear, hear!
3:47:33 > 3:47:39They are delayed by the weather, by traffic, they are not disability
3:47:39 > 3:47:43compliant and apparently there advises that if you are disabled or
3:47:43 > 3:47:48immobile or mobility impairment and you cannot access the physical
3:47:48 > 3:47:51mobile bank, then apparently the banking teller will come out and you
3:47:51 > 3:47:55can do your banking in the middle of the street. Well, that is absolutely
3:47:55 > 3:48:02shocking.I think the honourable friend for giving way. She is making
3:48:02 > 3:48:07an extremely passionate speech. The Parliament revolt for disability
3:48:07 > 3:48:11that I cherish not going to be launching an inquiry into community
3:48:11 > 3:48:16banking for people with disabilities and mobility control problems. By
3:48:16 > 3:48:24the honourable Lady, my constituents who have mobility problems, RBS
3:48:24 > 3:48:26plans to close things they feel particularly let down that there
3:48:26 > 3:48:28will be no services which are appropriate and available.Hear,
3:48:28 > 3:48:31hear! Indy. That is something I will be
3:48:31 > 3:48:36coming to in a little while, about the importance of providing
3:48:36 > 3:48:38accessible and sustainable banking services. And all the communities
3:48:38 > 3:48:41for the needs of all our communities. Those of us who cannot
3:48:41 > 3:48:45get to the next town because of lack of our own chessboard or public
3:48:45 > 3:48:47transport or because of other mobility issues.Will my honourable
3:48:47 > 3:48:53friend give way?I will indeed.She has spoken about the impact of bank
3:48:53 > 3:48:56closures in rural areas, but does she agree with me also an outlying
3:48:56 > 3:49:00village areas of the city like it might constituency where the world
3:49:00 > 3:49:03are BS and shut the bank last year, this is a real impact on small
3:49:03 > 3:49:07businesses on the High Street? If they take that away, people will try
3:49:07 > 3:49:10to the supermarket to get their cash out and spend their money at the
3:49:10 > 3:49:14supermarket rather than on the many vibrant small businesses that exist
3:49:14 > 3:49:20in places like this.Hear, hear! The honourable lady actually leads
3:49:20 > 3:49:23very smoothly onto my neck point. Although of course we are not that
3:49:23 > 3:49:31concerned about that. The point the honourable lady makes about the
3:49:31 > 3:49:35effect on small businesses is extremely important. Because we all
3:49:35 > 3:49:41know that small businesses which are the backbone of our communities, the
3:49:41 > 3:49:43lifeblood of our communities, to keep the heart of the High Street
3:49:43 > 3:49:48beating. We all know that we work in an extremely challenging retail
3:49:48 > 3:49:53climate. And if local businesses, Mr Speaker, cannot think their takings
3:49:53 > 3:49:57at the end of the business day then they encourage individual insurance
3:49:57 > 3:50:01costs. I will finish this point. They either take the cash at the end
3:50:01 > 3:50:06of the business they put them because the bank goes the snow might
3:50:06 > 3:50:09say, so the average with them or they try to be next town to bank
3:50:09 > 3:50:13their takings, either way their insurance costs go up. For
3:50:13 > 3:50:17businesses already struggling with the cost of survival, that could
3:50:17 > 3:50:22well be enough to tip several of them over the edge. And decent word
3:50:22 > 3:50:25of banks in our towns that often prove critical for this reason. --
3:50:25 > 3:50:31the support of things in our House. Let's not forget everybody in this
3:50:31 > 3:50:34Chamber understands the importance of small businesses keeping our high
3:50:34 > 3:50:43Street alive.Hear, hear! I've got three banks shutting down.
3:50:43 > 3:50:48A town that sees one local bank. These banks opened up, it was local
3:50:48 > 3:50:53workers who built these banks. You are spot on about local and small
3:50:53 > 3:50:58businesses, usually staff is going to take a large sum of money. Then
3:50:58 > 3:51:01go to the post office. The post office is not equipped for that.
3:51:01 > 3:51:05That is a very big debate. Thank you very much.I think the honourable
3:51:05 > 3:51:09gentleman for intervention. I need to make process because I know the
3:51:09 > 3:51:14Minister is keen to respond. LAUGHTER
3:51:14 > 3:51:22I'm not going to give my intervention.
3:51:22 > 3:51:28Following the closure of their banks is an alarming 18 point miles away.
3:51:28 > 3:51:36A 12 point eight miles round-trip a week. Customers have also been
3:51:36 > 3:51:40directed to Irving, at 628 mile round trip. This is not good enough.
3:51:40 > 3:51:44When one considers that many of these customers do not have access
3:51:44 > 3:51:48to private transport. They will be at the mercy of local public
3:51:48 > 3:51:53transport and all weathers. The elderly and the infirm will be left
3:51:53 > 3:51:57to fend for themselves, as financial and social exclusion bite in their
3:51:57 > 3:52:02town. What we're talking about is financial and social exclusion.
3:52:02 > 3:52:07These bank closures may be affected amenities no longer have access to
3:52:07 > 3:52:13data to a services. The problems mobile banks bring with them. They
3:52:13 > 3:52:17are simply not a solution to the problem of closing down the last
3:52:17 > 3:52:24bank in town. They are a very poor substitute, and the people expect
3:52:24 > 3:52:29better and they deserve better. Banks have shown and are showing
3:52:29 > 3:52:33increasing leaks that they have no sense of service to the community,
3:52:33 > 3:52:38and tonight I am calling on the Minister to establish and enforce a
3:52:38 > 3:52:44guaranteed minimum level of service for inessential banking services.
3:52:44 > 3:52:47Recognising the importance of continued access to banking for our
3:52:47 > 3:52:51communities. Surely, as now time Mr Speaker, giving that banks are
3:52:51 > 3:52:57writing over our communities with no sense of service or responsibility,
3:52:57 > 3:53:03for a guaranteed minimal service, to put in place. I know that the Prime
3:53:03 > 3:53:08Minister has said repeatedly that branch closures are operational make
3:53:08 > 3:53:16for the banks, but that is not good enough. It is still 70% owned by the
3:53:16 > 3:53:21taxpayer, so this is a bitter pill to swallow. In addition, we note the
3:53:21 > 3:53:25UK government retains all legislative and revelatory powers in
3:53:25 > 3:53:28respect to financial services. The UK government does have the
3:53:28 > 3:53:34authority to call a halt to this devastating round of closures.
3:53:34 > 3:53:37Banks, stakeholders, and the European Scottish governments
3:53:37 > 3:53:40consider how best to take account of the obligation to banking customers
3:53:40 > 3:53:45and their communities. Whatever the banks may say, they do have such an
3:53:45 > 3:53:50obligation to our communities. They have a financial service and a moral
3:53:50 > 3:53:54obligation. In addition to the UK government arguing that these are
3:53:54 > 3:53:59operating for banks, there is a precedent. The Minister knows there
3:53:59 > 3:54:05is a president. The previous two clerk came, because he confirmed his
3:54:05 > 3:54:12time as chancellor, his consent, consent Mr Speaker, whether sought
3:54:12 > 3:54:17by IBS over the departure of previous CEO. That means, Mr
3:54:17 > 3:54:23Speaker, the UK government right now could reject any closures unless and
3:54:23 > 3:54:28until impact assessment had been carried out, and should require RBS
3:54:28 > 3:54:31to ensure the practical and sustainable banking services are put
3:54:31 > 3:54:36in place before any closures are signed off. It really is time to
3:54:36 > 3:54:41call on RBS to reverse these plant closures. The UK government, the
3:54:41 > 3:54:44Minister tonight, has a responsibility to demonstrate he is
3:54:44 > 3:54:48standing up for our communities on this most important issue. The
3:54:48 > 3:54:55Westminster leader, has persuaded RBS to retrieve ten bridges across
3:54:55 > 3:54:58Scotland until impact assessment had been carried out. I wish those
3:54:58 > 3:55:02communities well, but it does nothing to soften the hard blow to
3:55:02 > 3:55:07tell towns of my constituency who face losing their banks and it has
3:55:07 > 3:55:12to be said, it will lose its last bank branch. In the past, the
3:55:12 > 3:55:14Minister has suggested the customers are not happy can move their
3:55:14 > 3:55:18accounts to another bank. What does he suggest that the people do when
3:55:18 > 3:55:25there is no bank for them to move to? Within a reasonable distance?
3:55:25 > 3:55:28Customers have also been advised to move their accounts to the post
3:55:28 > 3:55:35office. I recall ten years ago, under another government, I recall
3:55:35 > 3:55:41having to save post office is. They were being closed down in my
3:55:41 > 3:55:46constituency. Post offices bolted onto the back of the local spot,
3:55:46 > 3:55:49does not provide the range of services or proceeds that customers
3:55:49 > 3:55:53need or deserve. I appeal in good faith to Minister to ensure that
3:55:53 > 3:56:04these closures are halted. That RBS is ordered to halt, and have impact
3:56:04 > 3:56:08assessments. All communities affected should have nothing left.
3:56:08 > 3:56:12And that towns deserve nothing less. I asked the Minister today, it is he
3:56:12 > 3:56:16going to stand with RBS management, or is he going to a stand with the
3:56:16 > 3:56:23communities affected? I urged him to do the right thing and stand up for
3:56:23 > 3:56:34our communities.Here, here.I would like to sincerely commend for
3:56:34 > 3:56:39securing this debate. She has spoken once again very powerfully on the
3:56:39 > 3:56:44half of her constituents. This is an issue that she is passionate about,
3:56:44 > 3:56:47and the RBS executives will note there are over 20 members of
3:56:47 > 3:56:50Parliament here. A number have spoken and they will want to reflect
3:56:50 > 3:56:56on the views that have been expressed. Since becoming economic
3:56:56 > 3:57:01Secretary on the 9th of January, I had the privilege of responding to a
3:57:01 > 3:57:04number of debates on bank branches closures across the UK, and in
3:57:04 > 3:57:09specific local areas. In each one, I have heard important stories about
3:57:09 > 3:57:12what the local bank branch can mean to the community. I have heard that
3:57:12 > 3:57:17again today. It means a great deal in terms of practical ideas, to
3:57:17 > 3:57:23access services, and I will turn to that point in more detail. It can
3:57:23 > 3:57:26also be, banks can be at the heart of how people feel about their local
3:57:26 > 3:57:31street, and the future of their community. I'm putting my Treasury
3:57:31 > 3:57:36response abilities aside, I, myself, visited a bank in my own
3:57:36 > 3:57:40constituency which is facing closure exactly the same way the honourable
3:57:40 > 3:57:44Lady set out. I had to sit down with the bank manager and go through the
3:57:44 > 3:57:48same sorts of arguments. They are commercial decisions. I will say
3:57:48 > 3:57:52more about that. I am not going to give way, because I only have eight
3:57:52 > 3:57:59and a half minutes. I want to do justice. The Government is very
3:57:59 > 3:58:06aware of the issues that have been raised. I want to now talk about the
3:58:06 > 3:58:11challenges that are facing the banking sector. And facing our
3:58:11 > 3:58:15communities at the same time. In a previous debate, the honourable Lady
3:58:15 > 3:58:20has said she does not bank online. That is her choice. But whatever her
3:58:20 > 3:58:24personal preference is, and whatever our personal preference is, banking
3:58:24 > 3:58:29is going through a period of unprecedented technological change.
3:58:29 > 3:58:31Consumer behaviour is changing significantly, and banks are having
3:58:31 > 3:58:37to adapt to those shifting patterns of behaviour. This decisions that
3:58:37 > 3:58:41they are making are sometimes not popular, and I understand why. The
3:58:41 > 3:58:44honourable Lady will be well aware that those decisions are not for
3:58:44 > 3:58:52government. The point was made about the previous chancellor and former
3:58:52 > 3:58:58member, signing off on the cheek executive post. There is a big
3:58:58 > 3:59:04difference between signing off on the strategic leadership and getting
3:59:04 > 3:59:08involved in day-to-day commercial decisions. Each bank putt branch
3:59:08 > 3:59:13strategy. I am not going to give way. I am going to continue. There
3:59:13 > 3:59:18we are. Each bank's bank strategy, including whether to open or close
3:59:18 > 3:59:22individual banks, is for the management of that bank to
3:59:22 > 3:59:25determine. I understand that it's frustrating. It is frustrating to
3:59:25 > 3:59:29all of us. The Government rightly does not intervene in these
3:59:29 > 3:59:33commercial decisions. Nor does the Government managed the RBS group.
3:59:33 > 3:59:39RBS is headed by its own board, which is responsible for strategic
3:59:39 > 3:59:42direction and decisions. All businesses strive to deliver for
3:59:42 > 3:59:45their customers. But they need to be able to plan for the future and make
3:59:45 > 3:59:50the changes were needed. These are complex commercial decisions. RBS
3:59:50 > 3:59:55have made their decisions in line with their commercial strategy,...
3:59:55 > 4:00:02No I will not. They are entitled to ask questions. And to press RBS on
4:00:02 > 4:00:08the rationale. While I do not agree the Government should or could
4:00:08 > 4:00:13cancel RBS decision, I am certain the honourable Lady's views
4:00:13 > 4:00:16expressed here again, on behalf of her constituents, will have been
4:00:16 > 4:00:23hurt by RBS. On the cover-up of that role, with respect to the post
4:00:23 > 4:00:26office, previously, the honourable Lady has said the Government has not
4:00:26 > 4:00:32lifted a finger to help. I must beg to differ. On this side of the
4:00:32 > 4:00:35House, we are taking action, and I welcome the opportunity to reiterate
4:00:35 > 4:00:39that this evening. For those who still need or want a thinking
4:00:39 > 4:00:43person, we have helped to expand and improve face-to-face banking
4:00:43 > 4:00:48services at the post office. Mr Speaker, there are 11,000 post
4:00:48 > 4:00:58office branches in the UK, 11,000 600. There are post offices in the
4:00:58 > 4:01:04three count she has mentioned. Indeed, across the UK, 9% of
4:01:04 > 4:01:08personal customers and 95% of business customers can do their
4:01:08 > 4:01:12day-to-day banking there in response to the member from Edinburgh South
4:01:12 > 4:01:16West, who was concerned about the issue of... I am going to respond to
4:01:16 > 4:01:24the points raised. Small businesses and cash, the RBS bank to offer cash
4:01:24 > 4:01:32career services, and post office can't accept up to 20,000, 2000, and
4:01:32 > 4:01:36others can be made on a case-by-case basis. As the honourable Lady has
4:01:36 > 4:01:40mentioned, previously, this might not be a service that people are
4:01:40 > 4:01:44familiar fully with yet, but I believe it does offer a valuable
4:01:44 > 4:01:47alternative. People are adjusting to the reality of what can be attained
4:01:47 > 4:01:50from the post office. It is important that people who can
4:01:50 > 4:01:54benefit from the services know about them. I will keep pushing both the
4:01:54 > 4:01:58banks and the post office to do more to raise awareness of the expanded
4:01:58 > 4:02:02services that they jointly offer. It is important that they make this
4:02:02 > 4:02:07case proactively and publicly. We should spread the message far and
4:02:07 > 4:02:12wide. We can all do our day-to-day banking services at the post office,
4:02:12 > 4:02:16and we in this House can help reassure people who may be worried
4:02:16 > 4:02:22about this issue. In terms of the oversight of banks, where things do
4:02:22 > 4:02:26decide to close branches, the Government ongoing support for the
4:02:26 > 4:02:31industry access to banking standards is making a difference. All the
4:02:31 > 4:02:37major banks have signed up to this standard. It commits bank to a
4:02:37 > 4:02:44number of them... When bank closes. In some cases, they have given six
4:02:44 > 4:02:48months notice. Second, they will consider what services can still be
4:02:48 > 4:02:51provided locally, and communicate clearly with customers about
4:02:51 > 4:02:56alternative ways to bank, and third, they will ensure that support
4:02:56 > 4:03:01customers who need extra help to bank online or access services at
4:03:01 > 4:03:06the post office. The standard is not just a list of outcomes, it has
4:03:06 > 4:03:13teeth. It monitors and enforces this standard. They are actively
4:03:13 > 4:03:18monitoring how RBS and other banks fulfil their obligations to their
4:03:18 > 4:03:22customers when branch is. They have a range of tools and stations at
4:03:22 > 4:03:26their disposal, should a bank fall short. I know they are very open to
4:03:26 > 4:03:31talking to individual members on behalf of of their communities, and
4:03:31 > 4:03:37I was encouraged the honourable Lady and her colleagues to... No. To do
4:03:37 > 4:03:42so, if she has concerns about the steps RBS is taking or not taking in
4:03:42 > 4:03:45her constituency. The access to banking standards is the practical
4:03:45 > 4:03:50way to shape her bank's approach, and I would encourage all members of
4:03:50 > 4:03:54the House on all sides of the House, to ensure their communities are
4:03:54 > 4:03:59aware and able to engage it with the bank directly. Now, one of the other
4:03:59 > 4:04:03issues is about access to cash and several members have mentioned this.
4:04:03 > 4:04:05The Government continues to work with industry to ensure provision to
4:04:05 > 4:04:11the widespread free access to cash, and in December, the organisation
4:04:11 > 4:04:18which runs the ATM, committed to protecting all ATMs, which are a
4:04:18 > 4:04:27kilometre or more from the next one. This is a for their inclusion
4:04:27 > 4:04:30programme, and I hope will reassure members across the House. The
4:04:30 > 4:04:38honourable Lady it hard for her constituents, in North Ayrshire. As
4:04:38 > 4:04:42have a number of members spoken this evening. I am sure their concerns
4:04:42 > 4:04:47have been hurt. We all understand the frustration and disappointment
4:04:47 > 4:04:55caused by bank closures. But, Mr Speaker, these are not government
4:04:55 > 4:04:58decisions. The Government putt policy remains clear. RBS are
4:04:58 > 4:05:06responsible for these decisions, and RBS must defend them. Banking is
4:05:06 > 4:05:10changing. No. Banking is changing rapidly. We cannot deny that
4:05:10 > 4:05:17reality. The Government does not believe, sorry, the Government does
4:05:17 > 4:05:22believe to support communities across the UK when banks are closed.
4:05:22 > 4:05:26We are all deeply engaged with, trying to find the best solution for
4:05:26 > 4:05:30individual communities. We can help draw attention to these issues and
4:05:30 > 4:05:33work constructively to help my constituencies to access the
4:05:33 > 4:05:37services they need. For my part, I will keep pushing for everyone to
4:05:37 > 4:05:48access banking services they need, wherever they live.The ayes have
4:05:48 > 4:05:59it. Order, order.