Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Baroness Chapman of Darlington and Michael Fabricant

Thursday 16th May 2019 Commons Chamber

[Jenny Chapman (Darlington) (Lab)]

I was going to say that both my parents were nurses, as was the shadow Secretary of State’s mum, but I obviously do not need to. I remember being accused of negativity, as the Secretary of State has done repeatedly today, when we warned of the dangers of privatising the probation service, and look how that worked out. It is our job to challenge the Government. They might not like it, but that is one reason we are here. Public health is potentially at risk from Brexit. Chlorinated chicken is a public health risk.

[Michael Fabricant (Lichfield) (Con)]

No it is not.

[Jenny Chapman]

The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs seems to think it is.

[Michael Fabricant]

Well it isn’t.

[Jenny Chapman]

I suggest that the hon. Gentleman take that up with the right hon. Member for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove). How can we trust this Government to protect our public health or our NHS in any trade deal with the United States when they cannot agree within Cabinet? The Environment Secretary says that chlorinated chicken will be banned, but the Secretary of State for International Trade says it will not be. Who speaks for the Government on that issue?