Debates between Lord Sharma and Rehman Chishti during the 2017-2019 Parliament

Britain’s Place in the World

Debate between Lord Sharma and Rehman Chishti
Tuesday 15th October 2019

(5 years ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Sharma Portrait Alok Sharma
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I want to continue.

When we leave the EU, there will be opportunities across the world. As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said yesterday, this Conservative Government will ensure that the United Kingdom continues to play a leading role in global affairs, defending our interests, promoting our values, and seizing those opportunities.

Rehman Chishti Portrait Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con)
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Countries around the world are judged according to the values for which they stand, and the United Kingdom always advocates for democracy around the world. Does my right hon. Friend agree that if we do not deliver on the mandate that the public gave us in 2016, it will be completely and utterly wrong and will undermine our democratic process? Does he agree that we should therefore leave on 31 October with a deal, or, if that is not possible, without a deal?

Lord Sharma Portrait Alok Sharma
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My hon. Friend is absolutely right. Unfortunately, what has happened over the last few months—after we did not leave at the end of March—has indeed been a sapping of trust in democratic processes across our country, and that is why we must leave on 31 October.