Compliance with the European Union (Withdrawal) (No. 2) Act 2019 Debate

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Department: Department for Exiting the European Union

Compliance with the European Union (Withdrawal) (No. 2) Act 2019

Chris Leslie Excerpts
Thursday 26th September 2019

(5 years, 2 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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James Duddridge Portrait James Duddridge
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I fear my hon. Friend is right that many are less worried about the law and more worried about stopping Brexit. We have had extension after extension, and the answer to this uncertainty cannot be more extension.

Chris Leslie Portrait Mr Chris Leslie (Nottingham East) (IGC)
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The most visible evidence giving us grounds to doubt the Government’s intention is their £100 million billboard advertising campaign saying, “Get ready—31 October, here we come.” That is actually inaccurate and misleading, because nowhere, not even in the small print, does it mention that the law of the land may prevent a no-deal Brexit. Should the Government not be honest with businesses and consumers? I will certainly be writing to the Advertising Standards Authority. The Government should be honest in their advertising and not mislead the public in that way.

James Duddridge Portrait James Duddridge
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Let us be honest that a no deal is a very real possibility. Even if this House extends, whether through this Act or some other mechanism, we still might be in the same position and a deal might not be done. We would then be in a no-deal position. It is right that every responsible business prepares for no deal, despite the fact that we want a deal.