Leaving the European Union

Lord Morris of Aberavon Excerpts

Monday 14th January 2019 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Evans of Bowes Park]

As we have made very clear, neither the EU nor the UK wants the backstop. We do not want to go into it. The letter reiterates once again other mechanisms such as looking at facilitative technology and extending the implementation period. Other options may be available. Parliament will be given the right to discuss and vote on the option it wants if we need it—but we are committed to implementing the future relationship by the end of December 2020 so that none of those situations comes to pass. We will focus on that.

[Lord Morris of Aberavon (Lab)]

My Lords, on the issue of legal force, referred to in the Attorney-General’s letter, has either the EU or Her Majesty’s Government sought an advisory opinion from the European Court?

[Baroness Evans of Bowes Park]

I stand by the letter published today by the Attorney-General.