Brexit: No-deal Preparations

Lord Bridges of Headley Excerpts
Wednesday 20th March 2019

(5 years, 8 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Callanan Portrait Lord Callanan
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If there is an extension, we would still be in the EU, but if we did not change our domestic law, which states that the European Communities Act comes to an end, and the legal snapshot would take place, we would clearly be in contravention of our legal obligations for being in the EU.

Lord Bridges of Headley Portrait Lord Bridges of Headley (Con)
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My Lords, given that the EU has said that it will not grant a short extension unless the deal is passed, and given that the Prime Minister has said that she is opposed to a long extension, is it therefore the case that if Parliament rejects the deal next week, the Government believe we should leave without a deal?

Lord Callanan Portrait Lord Callanan
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I think we will have to wait to see what happens next week. It remains our view that Parliament should pass the deal because we think it is the best deal available, but we will await the outcome of the Council this weekend before commenting further.