Northern Ireland Protocol

Debate between Elizabeth Truss and Desmond Swayne

Tuesday 17th May 2022 Commons Chamber

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

What is absolutely clear is that those hon. Members seeking to undermine the Government’s negotiating position have not emerged from the trenches they dug themselves in the last Parliament, have they?

[Elizabeth Truss]

What I think we have heard today is that Members on both sides of the House agree that there is a real problem with the way the Northern Ireland protocol is operating, and that needs to be solved. I hear people saying that they want to get an agreed solution with the EU. I hope that the EU will change its negotiating mandates so that we are able to achieve that.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Elizabeth Truss and Desmond Swayne

Thursday 25th February 2021 Commons Chamber

[Elizabeth Truss]

I agree with the hon. Lady that the atrocities committed by China in Xinjiang are abhorrent. The Government have taken firm action on supply chains and businesses doing business in that part of China, but expanding the role of the UK courts raises serious constitutional issues, and instead the issue needs to be addressed politically.

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

Are we using our position at the World Trade Organisation to counter reprehensible trading practices by China and others?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Elizabeth Truss and Desmond Swayne

Thursday 3rd September 2020 Commons Chamber

[Elizabeth Truss]

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary was recently in Israel talking about our close relationship with that important ally.

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

Would the Secretary of State even dream of doing a trade deal without the support of the House?

[Elizabeth Truss]

My right hon. Friend is absolutely right; I would always seek the support not only of the House but of people across the United Kingdom, because we want every single trade deal we sign to benefit our businesses, our consumers and our country. However, if some doubtful people on the Opposition Benches do not believe me, there is protection, because under the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 system any trade deal can be blocked by this House. Of course, I would never consider putting forward a trade deal that would not command the support of the House, but there is always that protection for those doubting Thomases on the Opposition Benches.