Informal European Council Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Informal European Council

Bill Wiggin Excerpts
Monday 6th February 2017

(7 years, 2 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Theresa May Portrait The Prime Minister
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It is not the case that people are saying that, in this particular issue, it can only be agreed at the end of the deal when everything else is agreed. What they have said is that they do not believe that negotiations and discussions on it should not start until article 50 has triggered the formal negotiations. I have every expectation, from the good will that I have seen from others, that it will be possible to get an early agreement on this matter to give people the reassurance that they need.

Bill Wiggin Portrait Bill Wiggin (North Herefordshire) (Con)
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May I thank the Prime Minister on behalf of my constituents for raising the 2% defence spending issue, because it makes them safer? If the Greeks can do it, why can’t the rest?

Theresa May Portrait The Prime Minister
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My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The four member states who do it are the United Kingdom, Greece, Poland and Estonia. I am pleased to say that some of the rest are making every effort to do it as well, and are progressing well towards the 2% target.