Further Discussions with the European Union under Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union

Debate between Lord Keen of Elie and Lord Stoneham of Droxford

Wednesday 27th February 2019 Lords Chamber

[Lord Keen of Elie]

Barking from a sedentary position does not advance matters. I wonder if it might just be noted that it is our intention to take through all necessary legislation required for exit day, and we will deliver the business as required in both Houses. That is what is planned.

[Lord Stoneham of Droxford (LD)]

Will the Minister define what “necessary legislation” will be?

[Lord Keen of Elie]

Yes, of course. Necessary legislation is the legislation necessary to have in place for exit day. I hope that clarifies that point for the noble Lord.

I turn to some of the observations of the noble Lord, Lord Kerr of Kinlochard, who among other things asked us to contemplate the Swiss approach to free movement. It was a very interesting observation. I ask him to contemplate the Swiss referendum to end free movement and the threats then faced by Switzerland from the EU as a consequence of having had that referendum. It was not the Swiss approach to free movement that succeeded.