Oral Answers to Questions Debate

Full Debate: Read Full Debate
Department: Northern Ireland Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Chris Philp Excerpts
Wednesday 13th September 2017

(6 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
James Brokenshire Portrait James Brokenshire
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

The hon. Lady fundamentally mischaracterises what the EU (Withdrawal) Bill is about. It is about creating UK-wide frameworks to ensure that we have a smooth transition, and I would have thought that was in the best interests of all of the United Kingdom and that everybody should get behind it.

Chris Philp Portrait Chris Philp (Croydon South) (Con)
- Hansard - -

3. What recent discussions he has had with the Irish Government on cross-border security.

Chloe Smith Portrait The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Chloe Smith)
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

The UK Government have regular discussions with the Irish Government on a range of issues, including cross-border security. We work closely together to tackle security challenges and keep people on both sides of the border safe.

Chris Philp Portrait Chris Philp
- Hansard - -

Does my hon. Friend agree that, as we leave the European Union, close co-operation with the Government of Ireland on security will be extremely important? Can she assure the House that that will be a top priority in the coming negotiations?

Chloe Smith Portrait Chloe Smith
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

Yes—in short, I certainly can. Co-operation with the Irish authorities is already strong. We wish to see that continue. If I may, I will take this opportunity to commend the security services and police on both sides of the border for all that they do to keep individuals safe.