Patrick Finucane: Supreme Court Judgment

Debate between Brandon Lewis and Brendan Clarke-Smith

Monday 30th November 2020 Commons Chamber

[Brendan Clarke-Smith (Bassetlaw) (Con)]

Can my right hon. Friend confirm that he is fully convinced that the path forward he has set out today in his statement to this House fully discharges the Government’s duties and responsibilities towards meeting the Supreme Court’s statements about this case?

[Brandon Lewis]

Yes, I think this is the right next step: for the police and the police ombudsman to do their work, so that we can then assess whether we have fully completed our obligations under article 2. Once those processes have finished, we will make that assessment and take any decisions we need to, because we are determined to make sure we deliver on those obligations.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Brandon Lewis and Brendan Clarke-Smith

Wednesday 24th June 2020 Commons Chamber

[Brendan Clarke-Smith]

I thank the Secretary of State for that answer. Does he agree that, with business facing the hardest level of uncertainty in our lifetime because of coronavirus, it would be an enormous mistake to do as many Opposition Members are suggesting and extend the transition, the talks and all the unwanted uncertainty, delaying the start of our new relationship indefinitely?

[Brandon Lewis]

My hon. Friend is quite right. First, extending the transition period would bind us into future EU laws, without us having any say, yet we could still have to foot the bill. Secondly, extending the transition period would simply prolong the negotiations and increase uncertainty for business. That is why we will not extend the transition period. This country needs to be able to design our own rules in our own best interests, and that is what we will do.