Chris Philp
Main Page: Chris Philp (Conservative - Croydon South)Department Debates - View all Chris Philp's debates with the Northern Ireland Office
(8 years, 1 month ago)
Commons Chamber James Brokenshire
        
    
    
    
    
    
        
        
        
            James Brokenshire 
        
    
        
    
        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 (Croydon South) (Con)
        
    
    
    
    
    
        
        
        
            Chris Philp (Croydon South) (Con) 
        
    
        
    
        3. What recent discussions he has had with the Irish Government on cross-border security.
 The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Chloe Smith)
        
    
    
    
    
    
        
        
        
            The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Chloe Smith) 
        
    
        
    
        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
        
    
    
    
    
    
        
        
        
            Chris Philp 
        
    
        
    
        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
        
    
    
    
    
    
        
        
        
            Chloe Smith 
        
    
        
    
        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.