Brexit: Trade Agreements

Debate between Baroness Fairhead and Lord Elystan-Morgan

Thursday 18th January 2018 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Fairhead]

As my noble friend said, this is a matter that is still under discussion in the other place, and that is what is happening.

[Lord Elystan-Morgan (CB)]

Does the Minister not agree that the question from the noble Lord, Lord Wallace, appears to be misplaced, in that the most onerous trade agreement can never abrogate sovereignty?

[Baroness Fairhead]

I thank the noble Lord for his input. Yes, the ability of a country to regulate on its own behalf in the public interest is well recognised in international law. Therefore, we would expect to be able to continue to regulate in our national interest. In the terms of our agreements, that is what we will be achieving in our agreements—going for the UK’s best interests.