Brexit: Green Paper

Debate between Lord Bridges of Headley and Lord Maclennan of Rogart

Monday 9th January 2017 Lords Chamber

[Lord Maclennan of Rogart]

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend to publish a green paper on their negotiating objectives for Brexit.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Exiting the European Union (Lord Bridges of Headley) (Con)]

My Lords, as the Prime Minister has said, we have committed to publish a plan before we trigger Article 50. The Government want to ensure Parliament has the necessary information so that it can scrutinise the negotiating process while ensuring that our national interest in those negotiations is protected.

[Lord Maclennan of Rogart (LD)]

Will the Government reveal to Parliament and the British people the damage to the economy that will result from Brexit if we leave the European single market?

[Lord Bridges of Headley]

My Lords, as the Prime Minister made clear in her interview yesterday, we are intent on achieving the widest and best possible access to the single market, and that remains our aim. I am sure that she will say more about this matter in the weeks ahead.

Brexit: Article 50

Debate between Lord Bridges of Headley and Lord Maclennan of Rogart

Monday 7th November 2016 Lords Chamber

[Lord Bridges of Headley]

My Lords, I am sure the noble Lord will be delighted to hear that there will be considerable opportunities between now and then for us to have many more Statements, debates et cetera. As regards what will happen at the end, we have made it very clear that all treaties arising from the negotiations will be subject to the due process of constitutional precedents. On that, I have nothing further to add.

[Lord Maclennan of Rogart (LD)]

My Lords, why have the Government ignored the reports of the Constitution Committee referred to by the noble Lord, Lord Lang? Why is Parliament not being given the intentions regarding the presentation of specified information? Why are Ministers in principle not being required to report back to Parliament at all? Why is Parliament not being involved in the negotiation process subsequent to the initial determinations?

[Lord Bridges of Headley]

My Lords, we have taken the position we do on the court case—if I understand the noble Lord correctly—because we believe that starting the process of triggering Article 50 is a matter for the Government. As regards the negotiation process, I have nothing further to add to my response to the noble Lord, Lord Butler.