Leaving the EU: Implementation

Angela Smith Excerpts
Monday 29th January 2018

(6 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Robin Walker Portrait Mr Walker
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I am happy to reiterate to my hon. Friend that the Government’s policy is that the UK will be leaving the EU, and that does mean leaving both the single market and the customs union.

Angela Smith Portrait Angela Smith (Penistone and Stocksbridge) (Lab)
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The Minister stated that the Prime Minister does not want us to stay within EFTA and has ruled that option out, but that position is supported by only a few Back Benchers—the 35-plus—on the other side of the House. Will the Government commit to ensuring that the wishes of the majority of this House, which wants to put the national interest first, are listened to so that we get to the right place in 2019?

Robin Walker Portrait Mr Walker
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Of course the Government’s aim throughout this process is to put the national interest first. We have been clear, as was the hon. Lady’s own party in its manifesto at the last general election, that the UK will be leaving the European Union, which includes leaving the customs union.