Brexit: Triggering Article 50 Debate

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Department: Leader of the House

Brexit: Triggering Article 50

Baroness Ludford Excerpts
Wednesday 29th March 2017

(7 years, 7 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Taylor of Holbeach Portrait Lord Taylor of Holbeach (Con)
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I am sorry, my Lords, but we do have a custom of going round the House, and it is the turn of the Liberal Democrats.

Baroness Ludford Portrait Baroness Ludford
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My Lords, the Statement repeats the mantra that we are going to “take back control”, but the Brexit Secretary, Mr Davis, expects the Government to use this control to continue with a large volume of EU migration. The Statement admits that the consequence of breaking the manifesto pledge to stay in the single market will mean UK companies having to abide by rules over which we have no influence. If we lose the right to the single market, including free movement for British citizens, at the price of less control and a series of betrayals, how is that a gain?

Baroness Evans of Bowes Park Portrait Baroness Evans of Bowes Park
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I am afraid that I completely disagree with the noble Baroness, who I know approaches this subject with a pessimistic view. We have an optimistic view and I believe that we will prevail.