Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Northern Ireland Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Chris Philp Excerpts
Wednesday 13th September 2017

(7 years, 2 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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James Brokenshire Portrait James Brokenshire
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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)
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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)
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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
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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
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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.