Brexit: Role of Parliament Debate

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Department: Home Office

Brexit: Role of Parliament

Baroness Ludford Excerpts
Monday 18th July 2016

(8 years, 3 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Keen of Elie Portrait Lord Keen of Elie
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The Prime Minister has been very clear that it will take time for the UK Government to agree their position for negotiations in respect of the exit from Europe. They will consult widely, not only with all Westminster governmental institutions but also with the devolved Administrations, including the Scottish Parliament.

Baroness Ludford Portrait Baroness Ludford (LD)
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My Lords, the Prime Minister has apparently promised a partnership involvement for the Scottish Government in Brexit negotiations. Why will the Government not show the same degree of respect to this Westminster Parliament, instead of offering the mere debate and discussions—crumbs off the table—that were envisaged in the response to the Urgent Question last week and, indeed, just now by the noble Lord, Lord Bridges, who said that there was no legal obligation to consult Parliament, as if that was the end of the story? Why can we not get the same respect as the Scottish Government?

Lord Keen of Elie Portrait Lord Keen of Elie
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The Prime Minister has clearly extended the same respect to this Parliament as she has to the Scottish Parliament. The Prime Minister has also said that we will not trigger Article 50 until we have a UK approach and objectives. That will be the product of consultation with all these parties.