Oral Answers to Questions

Debbie Abrahams Excerpts

Monday 21st January 2019 Commons Chamber

The Secretary of State was asked—

[Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth) (Lab)]

1. What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on future security agreements with the EU.

[The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Sajid Javid)]

I have regular conversations with Cabinet colleagues on a range of matters. The deal that the House considered last week confirmed the commitment of the UK and the EU to a new security partnership and included a transition period. In considering a way forward, we must focus on ideas that deliver the same benefits, are genuinely negotiable and have sufficient support in the House.

[Debbie Abrahams]

Title V of the draft withdrawal agreement describes the ongoing police and judicial co-operation between the UK and the EU on criminal matters. Given that it has taken 30 months to agree the 13-page section on security and that the section covers only the transition period, why should we have any confidence in this Government completing negotiations to ensure this country’s future safety and security by the end of next year?

[Sajid Javid]

Security is an absolute priority for the Home Office, which is why it should come as no surprise to the House that all capabilities on which the UK would wish to co-operate with the EU are covered in the political declaration. If the hon. Lady wishes to continue that kind of co-operation, the best thing to do is to support the deal.