Brexit: No Deal

Debate between Lord Callanan and Lord Lexden

Tuesday 11th September 2018 Lords Chamber

[Lord Callanan]

I can agree with the very last part of the statement made by the noble Baroness. Yes, we want a deal that is acceptable to Parliament and acceptable to our partners in the EU.

[Lord Lexden (Con)]

My noble friend Lord Robathan referred to the possibility of a division between Northern Ireland and the rest of our country. Will the Minister confirm that under no circumstances—no circumstances —will such a division be permitted?

[Lord Callanan]

I thank my noble friend, but we have made it very clear to our EU partners that their version of the backstop, which would produce a customs border in the Irish Sea, is completely unacceptable to us. That is why the negotiations are still continuing on that matter.

Brexit: Legislating for the Withdrawal Agreement

Debate between Lord Callanan and Lord Lexden

Tuesday 24th July 2018 Lords Chamber

[Lord Callanan]

We have still to agree a system of recognition of professional qualifications for after the implementation period. That is in last week’s White Paper. Maybe I should write to my noble friend on the exact detail of that.

[Lord Lexden (Con)]

Turning to Northern Ireland, will my noble friend confirm that no arrangements will be made that create any form of difference or division between that part of our country and the rest of the United Kingdom?

[Lord Callanan]

Yes.