Brexit: Single Market

Lord Hamilton of Epsom Excerpts
Monday 24th October 2016

(8 years, 1 month ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Bridges of Headley Portrait Lord Bridges of Headley
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I am sorry but the noble Lord is wrong in the eyes of 17.4 million people. I also disagree with him on the point about our future. There are obviously challenges ahead but the Government are determined to build on the progress we have been making in the economy over the last five to 10 years and to ensure that we deliver a smooth and orderly transition for Brexit.

Lord Hamilton of Epsom Portrait Lord Hamilton of Epsom (Con)
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Will my noble friend confirm that the United States has access to the single market without being a member of it?

Lord Bridges of Headley Portrait Lord Bridges of Headley
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My noble friend is absolutely correct. He makes a very good point that precision on language in the weeks and months ahead is key. We need to differentiate between membership of, access to and special access to the single market. It is critical that that point is made.