Draft Recognition of Professional Qualifications (Amendment Etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018

Debate between Lord Harrington of Watford and Philippa Whitford
Monday 4th February 2019

(5 years, 5 months ago)

General Committees
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Lord Harrington of Watford Portrait Richard Harrington
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I envisage that there could be those circumstances, depending on the individual EU member state, as I explained, but I have every reason to believe that there will not be. The only way that that could not happen is for there to be no crashing out and for there to be a proper arrangement, which I am sure everybody wants to be the case. The hon. Lady has made valid point; I would not say it was a ridiculous point.

Philippa Whitford Portrait Dr Whitford
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Have British citizens been given the advice that they should apply to have their UK qualification recognised before the end of March to ensure that they do not run into trouble?

Lord Harrington of Watford Portrait Richard Harrington
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I am not sure of the answer to that, so I will drop the hon. Lady a note about it tomorrow, if that is acceptable. If she wishes to discuss it further, I would be happy to do so.

--- Later in debate ---
Lord Harrington of Watford Portrait Richard Harrington
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I apologise for my misunderstanding. I understand exactly what the hon. Lady is saying, and I will happily clarify that issue for her in the next day or so, if that is acceptable.

Philippa Whitford Portrait Dr Whitford
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I totally understand that the whole point of freedom of movement is that we have no idea who is here and who is in Europe, but I suggest that when taking this issue forward, the Minister might consider publicity, whether through social media or alerting British consulates and embassies in the host countries. With so little time to go, it is really important that people are given warning.

Lord Harrington of Watford Portrait Richard Harrington
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That is a sensible suggestion. However, all of this information was in the technical notices that were distributed, I think, in October last year, although one might say that people do not read them. There was a lot of information in those notices, but I will look into how we can make sure that there is an easily acceptable and consumer-friendly way of getting that information. I accept that technical notices are somewhat technical, and might be quite dry.