Oral Answers to Questions

Gavin Newlands Excerpts

Monday 27th March 2017 Commons Chamber

[Steven Paterson (Stirling) (SNP)]

12. What assessment he has made of the policy implications for his Department of the UK leaving the EU.

[Gavin Newlands (Paisley and Renfrewshire North) (SNP)]

18. What assessment he has made of the policy implications for his Department of the UK leaving the EU.

[Kirsten Oswald (East Renfrewshire) (SNP)]

23. What assessment he has made of the policy implications for his Department of the UK leaving the EU.

--- Later in debate ---

[Damian Green]

The Prime Minister has been clear that she wants to protect the rights of British citizens currently living in European member states, in the way that we want to protect the status of EU nationals already living here. That will clearly be an important matter for negotiation in the months ahead.

[Gavin Newlands]

Does the Secretary of State agree that his Government have form on failing to protect workers’ rights? Any illusion about ability to deliver social justice for workers went up in smoke with the Dickensian Trade Union Act 2016. How can we trust his Department to guarantee workers’ rights after article 50 is triggered?

[Damian Green]

I am glad that the hon. Gentleman has drawn the House’s attention to the fact that the Government have pledged to maintain workers’ rights in the course of the negotiations. I am happy also that he gives me the chance to remind the House that the greatest workers’ right is the right to a job, and that employment is at its highest ever level in this country.