Progress on EU Negotiations Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Progress on EU Negotiations

Alex Sobel Excerpts
Thursday 22nd November 2018

(5 years, 8 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Theresa May Portrait The Prime Minister
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I give my hon. Friend the assurance that as far as I am concerned we are leaving on 29 March 2019, and that is what this Government are working towards. My hon. Friend will be aware that some voices around the Chamber would prefer us not to leave on 29 March 2019—[Interruption.] I hear the odd yes from Labour Members on that—but I am clear that we will be leaving on 29 March 2019.

Alex Sobel Portrait Alex Sobel (Leeds North West) (Lab/Co-op)
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The Prime Minister said in her statement:

“The EU said that the choice was binary—Norway or Canada—but the political declaration recognises that there is a spectrum”.

I would like to hear what the Prime Minister’s spectrum is. Bearing in mind the range of views across the House, that spectrum should surely keep all the options open; otherwise, this political declaration is already past its sell-by date.

Theresa May Portrait The Prime Minister
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Actually, the document makes clear what that spectrum is. As I have referred to on other occasions in response to questions, there is a balance between checks and controls and the acceptance of rules and regulations.