Article 50

Debate between Stephen Doughty and David Davis

Tuesday 24th January 2017 Commons Chamber

[Mr Davis]

I will.

[Stephen Doughty (Cardiff South and Penarth) (Lab/Co-op)]

The Secretary of State has already attempted to sideline Parliament by appealing this case and by refusing to publish a White Paper, so can he be very clear: will the Bill be drafted in such terms as to allow not just amendments, but substantive amendments? Yes or no?

[Mr Davis]

I have been here for 30 years. If the hon. Gentleman knows how to draft a Bill that withstands any amendments, I would like to hear about it.

New Partnership with the EU

Debate between Stephen Doughty and David Davis

Tuesday 17th January 2017 Commons Chamber

[Mr Davis]

Opposition Members have a very short memory. I can forgive my right hon. and learned Friend because he did not hear the very first question, which was on exactly this point. I answered it in the same way that I am going to answer this one, which is to say that of course there will be agreements between us and they will be arbitrated by an organisation that we agree between us—not normally the European Court of Justice.

[Stephen Doughty (Cardiff South and Penarth) (Lab/Co-op)]

Can the Secretary of State be absolutely crystal clear about this: do his statement and the Prime Minister’s speech today represent the totality of the plan promised to Parliament, and will there be a White Paper—yes or no?

[Mr Davis]

I was asked by the Select Committee to present a plan as quickly as possible, and that is what we have done.

Article 50

Debate between Stephen Doughty and David Davis

Monday 7th November 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Davis]

I think the taxpayer would have really good cause to worry if I was leading it. [Laughter.] We have a very good legal team. I suspect it will be the same brilliant legal team next time.

[Stephen Doughty (Cardiff South and Penarth) (Lab/Co-op)]

I am glad the Secretary of State is having a jolly time over this, but when I spoke to my constituents over the weekend, whether they voted to remain or to leave—I respect both votes—they were all deeply concerned about the sinister turn of events in the commentary in the media. Will the Secretary of State be absolutely clear on whether it is acceptable to call judges enemies of the people? Will he be equally clear that someone’s sexuality does not preclude their ability to make legal judgments or to hold the highest offices in the land?

[Mr Davis]

The latter point is self-evidently the case, but let me say this to the hon. Gentleman. Over the decades, I have fought battles on both the independence and rights of the judiciary and the freedom of the press. They are both important, and they are particularly important when one does not like what they say.