Immigration White Paper Debate

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Department: Home Office

Immigration White Paper

Chris Bryant Excerpts
Monday 5th February 2018

(6 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Caroline Nokes Portrait Caroline Nokes
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My hon. Friend will know as well as I do that, when people voted in June 2016 to leave the EU, part of that decision for some people was based on immigration. That is why we are taking back control of our borders and will do so through the immigration Bill when it is introduced.

Chris Bryant Portrait Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab)
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The Minister seemed to suggest that there is no need to deal with this matter before the transition period because we will have the whole transition period—some two years—in which to sort out new arrangements. Does that mean that we will be retaining freedom of movement during the transition period, in which case why do we not stay in the single market?

Caroline Nokes Portrait Caroline Nokes
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We have been very clear that, after our exit, we want a deep and special relationship with our neighbours going forward, but we also want a smooth transition. It is really important that we have an implementation period that enables us to make sure that the 3 million EU citizens who are here are allowed to register smoothly and seamlessly. The hon. Gentleman will be as aware as I am that the Prime Minister has been very clear that we are leaving the single market and we are leaving the customs union.