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To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the response by Baroness Goldie on 21 March (HL Deb, cols 248–252) concerning their commitment to fully involving Gibraltar to ensure that its priorities are properly taken into account as the UK prepares to leave the EU, what plans they have to inform...
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the response by Baroness Goldie on 21 March (HL Deb, cols 248–252) concerning their commitment to fully involving Gibraltar to ensure that its priorities are properly taken into account as the UK prepares to leave the EU, what plans they have to inform...
Ministers in the Department for Exiting the European Union are fully engaged on issues related to Northern Ireland. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland keeps closely engaged on a range of issues of mutual interest and concern with Northern Ireland’s political parties and independents, including on the subject of the UK’s exit from the EU. This engagement includes parties that opted not to join the outgoing Executive.
The Joint Ministerial Committee on EU Negotiations (JMC(EN)) has met four times to understand and consider each administration’s priorities; to seek to agree a UK approach to, and objectives for, negotiations, and to consider proposals put forward by the devolved administrations. The Joint Ministerial Committee is also meeting more frequently in plenary format: the Prime Minister has chaired two meetings since the referendum. Representatives from the DUP and Sinn Fein both attended JMC(P) on Monday 30th January and have attended every JMC(EN). The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland continues to undertake discussions with all of the main political parties and independents in Northern Ireland.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the Prime Minister are fully committed to ensuring that the unique interests of Northern Ireland are protected and advanced.
Regarding engagement with Parliament, we will keep the House informed throughout the entire process of the UK's exit from the European Union; and we have committed to keeping the UK Parliament at least as well informed as the European Parliament as negotiations progress.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the response by Baroness Goldie on 21 March (HL Deb, cols 248–252) concerning their commitment to fully involving Gibraltar to ensure that its priorities are properly taken into account as the UK prepares to leave the EU, whether they intend to make a...
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the response by Baroness Goldie on 21 March (HL Deb, cols 248–252) concerning their commitment to fully involving Gibraltar to ensure that its priorities are properly taken into account as the UK prepares to leave the EU, whether they intend to make a...
Ministers in the Department for Exiting the European Union are fully engaged on issues related to Northern Ireland. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland keeps closely engaged on a range of issues of mutual interest and concern with Northern Ireland’s political parties and independents, including on the subject of the UK’s exit from the EU. This engagement includes parties that opted not to join the outgoing Executive.
The Joint Ministerial Committee on EU Negotiations (JMC(EN)) has met four times to understand and consider each administration’s priorities; to seek to agree a UK approach to, and objectives for, negotiations, and to consider proposals put forward by the devolved administrations. The Joint Ministerial Committee is also meeting more frequently in plenary format: the Prime Minister has chaired two meetings since the referendum. Representatives from the DUP and Sinn Fein both attended JMC(P) on Monday 30th January and have attended every JMC(EN). The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland continues to undertake discussions with all of the main political parties and independents in Northern Ireland.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the Prime Minister are fully committed to ensuring that the unique interests of Northern Ireland are protected and advanced.
Regarding engagement with Parliament, we will keep the House informed throughout the entire process of the UK's exit from the European Union; and we have committed to keeping the UK Parliament at least as well informed as the European Parliament as negotiations progress.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the similarities in land border issues to be taken into consideration in relation to (1) Spain and Gibraltar, and (2) Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, in the forthcoming negotiations with the EU.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the similarities in land border issues to be taken into consideration in relation to (1) Spain and Gibraltar, and (2) Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, in the forthcoming negotiations with the EU.
We have been engaging with the Devolved Administrations, including the Northern Ireland Executive, and Gibraltar to understand their priorities and interests, and will continue to involve them as we enter negotiations.
We have established a Joint Ministerial Committee (European Union Negotiations) for the Devolved Administrations, and are engaging with Gibraltar through the new Joint Ministerial Committee (Gibraltar European Union Negotiations). The latter will allow us to take account of the particular interests that Gibraltar has, given that the EU Treaties apply to a large extent in Gibraltar, with some exceptions (for example, Gibraltar is not part of the Customs Union).
Regarding the Common Travel Area between the United Kingdom and Ireland, there is a strong commitment between the United Kingdom government, the Irish government and the Northern Ireland Executive to protect the current arrangement. We will work with the new Northern Ireland Executive, the Irish Government and the Crown Dependencies to deliver a practical solution that allows for the maintenance of the Common Travel Area, while protecting the integrity of the United Kingdom’s immigration system.
We understand the importance of a well functioning Gibraltar-Spain border, and stand ready to work with the Government of Gibraltar and the Government of Spain to ensure the border continues to function well.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend to ensure that the principles of (1) non-discrimination, and (2) free movement of goods and services, apply to the exercise of powers relating to the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, after the UK has left the EU, equivalent...
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend to ensure that the principles of (1) non-discrimination, and (2) free movement of goods and services, apply to the exercise of powers relating to the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, after the UK has left the EU, equivalent...
We are committed to negotiating an Exit deal that works for the whole of the UK. We want to work with the Irish Government and the Northern Ireland Executive to find a practical solution that keeps the border as seamless and frictionless as possible, recognising the unique economic, social and political context of the land border between Northern Ireland and Ireland.
We will work closely together with the Irish Government to ensure that, as the UK leaves the EU, we find shared solutions to the challenges and maximise the opportunities for both the UK and Ireland.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government under what authority the government of the Republic of Ireland is playing a role in the negotiations for the UK leaving the EU.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government under what authority the government of the Republic of Ireland is playing a role in the negotiations for the UK leaving the EU.
The Republic of Ireland is a European Union Member State and its role in the European Council discussions on the response to the United Kingdom’s Article 50 notification stems from the fact that it is one of the other 27 EU Member States.
In terms of our bilateral relationship, the Prime Minister has been clear that one of our key priorities for exit will be to maintain our strong relationship and historic ties with Ireland. We are determined that our record of collaboration, built on shared experience and values and supported by personal, political and economic ties, continues to develop and strengthen after we leave the EU.
My Lords, the Prime Minister’s letter to the President of the European Council comprehensively articulates this Government’s assessment of the principal negotiation issues. We are pleased that the indications are that both sides wish to approach these talks constructively and we look forward to negotiations beginning when the time comes.
My Lords, the Prime Minister’s letter to the President of the European Council comprehensively articulates this Government’s assessment of the principal negotiation issues. We are pleased that the indications are that both sides wish to approach these talks constructively and we look forward to negotiations beginning when the time comes.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the principal Brexit negotiation issues following the invoking of Article 50.
I thank the noble Lord for that question. He will not expect me to comment on individual elections in other European member states, but your Lordships can rest assured that my ministerial colleagues and I are doing all we can to have relationships that are as cordial as possible and to build the atmosphere of trust that we wish to see before the negotiations begin.
I thank the noble Lord for that question. He will not expect me to comment on individual elections in other European member states, but your Lordships can rest assured that my ministerial colleagues and I are doing all we can to have relationships that are as cordial as possible and to build the atmosphere of trust that we wish to see before the negotiations begin.
I thank the Minister for that Answer. Bearing in mind the importance from now on of very close relations with another leading member state—France—and the importance of trade negotiations, will the Government make an effort to have close relations with it in the context of national member states and their responses to the Brexit negotiations to make sure that, even if the Government cannot go as far as accepting the wise advice of Mr Macron when he came to London last February, they will make every effort to make sure that we have a good outcome?
I can assure the noble Baroness and all noble Lords that there will be ample time for a debate about the matters before us, not just over the months to come after the general election but in the weeks before it—I am sure everyone is looking forward to it. As regards the time lost, I draw the noble Baroness’s attention to the fact that, as I understand it, the General Affairs Council will not adopt the Commission’s draft negotiating guidelines until 22 May at the earliest. Therefore, political negotiations will not begin before early June. As the Commission has said, those negotiations will begin after the general election on 8 June.
I can assure the noble Baroness and all noble Lords that there will be ample time for a debate about the matters before us, not just over the months to come after the general election but in the weeks before it—I am sure everyone is looking forward to it. As regards the time lost, I draw the noble Baroness’s attention to the fact that, as I understand it, the General Affairs Council will not adopt the Commission’s draft negotiating guidelines until 22 May at the earliest. Therefore, political negotiations will not begin before early June. As the Commission has said, those negotiations will begin after the general election on 8 June.
My Lords, what assessment have the Government made of the amount of parliamentary time that will be lost thanks to a general election and whether that can be added back in, so that there is adequate parliamentary scrutiny of the negotiations, given that the limit for the negotiations is two years and we are going to lose about two months?
I am delighted that the noble Baroness is looking forward to 8 June as much as a number of us are. I can absolutely assure the House that we are looking at options as set out in the Government’s White Paper. The Prime Minister, I and other ministerial colleagues have made it clear time and again that we wish to end the primacy of EU law once we have left the EU. As regards the specific issues, I have nothing further to add to what has already been set out in the White Paper.
I am delighted that the noble Baroness is looking forward to 8 June as much as a number of us are. I can absolutely assure the House that we are looking at options as set out in the Government’s White Paper. The Prime Minister, I and other ministerial colleagues have made it clear time and again that we wish to end the primacy of EU law once we have left the EU. As regards the specific issues, I have nothing further to add to what has already been set out in the White Paper.
My Lords, on the election, as TV’s Mrs Merton famously asked Mrs Daniels, “So what first attracted you to the millionaire
Paul Daniels?”, perhaps I could ask Mrs May, “So what first attracted you to an election when you were apparently 20 points ahead in the polls?”. However, the Question in front of us is about Europe. We need an exit that assures access to the single market, a continuing relationship with Euratom and the other agencies, and protection of the rights of EU nationals. Some of these might require some involvement with the ECJ. Does the Minister not think that this is something the Government might now look at, so that we can achieve those broader objectives?
My noble friend speaks with considerable experience of negotiating in Europe, so I absolutely heed his remarks. As I have said time and again at this Dispatch Box, while ensuring that this House and the other place will have the opportunity to scrutinise the Government’s negotiating position, it is of paramount importance, as my noble friend so rightly says, that we protect our negotiating position, as that is clearly in our national interest.
My noble friend speaks with considerable experience of negotiating in Europe, so I absolutely heed his remarks. As I have said time and again at this Dispatch Box, while ensuring that this House and the other place will have the opportunity to scrutinise the Government’s negotiating position, it is of paramount importance, as my noble friend so rightly says, that we protect our negotiating position, as that is clearly in our national interest.
My Lords, given the complexity of the negotiation with the 27 other member states, does my noble friend agree that any attempts, from wherever they may come, to push the Government towards revealing their negotiating positions can only weaken those positions?
The noble Lord has his own unique way of saying things and not mincing his words. I think we can be sure about that. It is in all our interests, on this side of the channel and right across Europe, to ensure that the withdrawal negotiations work in both our and Europe’s interests, and to ensure that our exit is smooth and orderly and that we continue to trade with our European partners as we have done for generations in the past. That is the overriding intention, and it is good to see that so many of our European partners are saying similar things as we speak.
The noble Lord has his own unique way of saying things and not mincing his words. I think we can be sure about that. It is in all our interests, on this side of the channel and right across Europe, to ensure that the withdrawal negotiations work in both our and Europe’s interests, and to ensure that our exit is smooth and orderly and that we continue to trade with our European partners as we have done for generations in the past. That is the overriding intention, and it is good to see that so many of our European partners are saying similar things as we speak.
My Lords, is not the deeper problem that the Eurocrats are much more interested in keeping their sinking project of European integration afloat because it pays them so well than they are in meeting the needs of the real people of Europe, which are much the same as ours?
My Lords, that would be a very good thing. As the Prime Minister has said, this party and this side of the House will be setting forward a clear approach to those negotiations to ensure that we get the very best deal for this country in the months ahead.
My Lords, that would be a very good thing. As the Prime Minister has said, this party and this side of the House will be setting forward a clear approach to those negotiations to ensure that we get the very best deal for this country in the months ahead.
My Lords, on the subject of making the best use of parliamentary time, would it not be a good start after the general election if every party in this House accepted the results of the referendum?
The noble Lord makes a good point. Considerable work is being undertaken by my department and right across Whitehall regarding the impact of our withdrawal on UK regulators and regulatory bodies. I shall not go into detail on that at this precise juncture, but noble Lords should rest assured that in the months ahead, were a Conservative Government to be returned, we would ensure that those plans are set out.
The noble Lord makes a good point. Considerable work is being undertaken by my department and right across Whitehall regarding the impact of our withdrawal on UK regulators and regulatory bodies. I shall not go into detail on that at this precise juncture, but noble Lords should rest assured that in the months ahead, were a Conservative Government to be returned, we would ensure that those plans are set out.
My Lords, does the Minister agree with the CBI assessment that we will have to establish the equivalent of 34 domestic agencies to replace EU agencies when we withdraw—if we do—from Europe? Has any assessment been made of that and, in particular, of the cost of funding 34 agencies?
My noble friend makes a very good point. As I have said before—indeed, a moment ago—it is absolutely in our interests to ensure that these negotiations are not only in our mutual interests but also smooth and orderly. It is in no one’s interest to see Europe’s prosperity or security diminished as we leave the EU.
My noble friend makes a very good point. As I have said before—indeed, a moment ago—it is absolutely in our interests to ensure that these negotiations are not only in our mutual interests but also smooth and orderly. It is in no one’s interest to see Europe’s prosperity or security diminished as we leave the EU.
My Lords, I thank my noble friend for using the word “partners” so regularly. Would he remind certain Members of your Lordships’ House, including the noble Lord, Lord Pearson, that we are talking not merely to Eurocrats but to companions and friends in 27 other European nations?
I have enjoyed the debates that we have had in this House, and I have said many times that obviously this House and the other place will have a considerable role to play as we leave the EU in scrutinising the Government’s proposals, the way ahead and the significant pieces of legislation, not least the great repeal Bill, that Parliament will be asked to pass.
I have enjoyed the debates that we have had in this House, and I have said many times that obviously this House and the other place will have a considerable role to play as we leave the EU in scrutinising the Government’s proposals, the way ahead and the significant pieces of legislation, not least the great repeal Bill, that Parliament will be asked to pass.
My Lords, would the Minister care to confirm, as he has in the past, that accepting the result of the referendum does not have to imply not scrutinising what comes after?
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the principal Brexit negotiation issues following the invoking of Article 50.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the principal Brexit negotiation issues following the invoking of Article 50.
My Lords, the Prime Minister’s letter to the President of the European Council comprehensively articulates this Government’s assessment of the principal negotiation issues. We are pleased that the indications are that both sides wish to approach these talks constructively and we look forward to negotiations beginning when the time comes.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what priority they will give in their negotiations on leaving the EU to securing an agreement continuing the annual increase in the UK state pension for UK citizens who remain living in EU member states.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what priority they will give in their negotiations on leaving the EU to securing an agreement continuing the annual increase in the UK state pension for UK citizens who remain living in EU member states.
The Prime Minister was clear in her letter to the President of the European Council that we should seek an early agreement on the rights of UK nationals in the EU and EU nationals in the UK, on a reciprocal basis. This is a priority issue for the forthcoming negotiations and, as the Prime Minister has emphasised, we will always put the interests of citizens first.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will publish a draft of the Great Repeal Bill and associated legislation during the Brexit negotiation process, to enable all interested parties to determine whether the UK will maintain levels of environmental protection.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will publish a draft of the Great Repeal Bill and associated legislation during the Brexit negotiation process, to enable all interested parties to determine whether the UK will maintain levels of environmental protection.
There are no plans to publish a draft Bill. The 'Legislating for the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union' White Paper sets out the detail of our approach to the Great Repeal Bill and how the domestic legal system will work once we have left the EU.
The White Paper makes clear that this Government remains committed to being the first generation to leave the natural environment in a better state than that in which we found it.
The UK will continue to be a leader on international environmental co-operation, as demonstrated by the Prime Minister ratifying the Paris Commitment on Climate Change.
The Great Repeal Bill will provide certainty and stability by ensuring that the body of existing EU law, including environmental law, continues to be UK law. Any future changes in the law will be for Parliament to decide.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the need for legislative consent motions to be passed by the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly, and the Northern Ireland Assembly in relation to the Great Repeal Bill.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the need for legislative consent motions to be passed by the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly, and the Northern Ireland Assembly in relation to the Great Repeal Bill.
The final content of the Great Repeal Bill, when it is introduced, will determine the process to take it forward.
The Government fully respects the Sewel Convention and is working closely with the devolved administrations – for example through the Joint Ministerial Committee on EU Negotiations.
This is part of the normal working arrangements between the UK Government and the devolved administrations.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how they plan to ensure that higher tariffs are not imposed on the UK in response to leaving the single market.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how they plan to ensure that higher tariffs are not imposed on the UK in response to leaving the single market.
We will pursue a bold and ambitious free trade agreement with the European Union that allows for the freest possible trade in goods and services between Britain and the EU’s member states; that gives British companies the maximum freedom to trade with and operate within European markets; and that lets European businesses do the same in Britain. It is in the mutual interest of the UK and the EU to maintain the freest trade possible.