Honda in Swindon

Baroness Walmsley Excerpts

Tuesday 19th February 2019 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Vere of Norbiton]

My Lords, some members of the Labour Party already support the Prime Minister’s deal, and I do not think it is out of the question that one or two more might see that it is the way forward for our country. As I have said, and say again, the Government’s position is that we do not want a no-deal Brexit. I agree with the noble Lord that there are certain members of my own party who also need to look very carefully at the potential outcomes. They need to weigh up the options and decide accordingly.

[Baroness Walmsley (LD)]

My Lords, I noticed that the Minister did not answer the point made by the noble Baroness, Lady Altmann, about the Government’s options in relation to no deal. A few minutes earlier she fell into the trap, which many Ministers fall into, of stating something that is not correct: that the only alternative to no deal is a deal. That is not correct. We have the opportunity to unilaterally withdraw Article 50, to request an extension or to put the matter to the people of this country again. Why do the Government keep saying something that is incorrect? They put 29 March 2019 into the legislation and they can remove it but stubbornly refuse to do so.

[Baroness Vere of Norbiton]

I thank the noble Baroness for the exposition of Liberal Democrat policy.

[Baroness Walmsley]

It is a fact.

[Baroness Vere of Norbiton]

I was merely stating the Government’s position. We believe that the option on the table is the best one for our country and therefore we would appreciate its support.