Article 50

Debate between Gavin Robinson and David Davis

Monday 7th November 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Davis]

I agree that of itself it does not change one word of English law. Some people see it as a point of no return; I see 23 June as the point of no return. We have to live by the instruction we were given on that day.

[Gavin Robinson (Belfast East) (DUP)]

Further to that, the Secretary of State should take some comfort from the fact that the High Court in Belfast reaffirmed the view of the Northern Ireland Attorney General that not one comma or full stop of our devolved settlement will be amended by the triggering of article 50. Given that, and the fact that devolved arrangements are subject to the will not only of this House but of this Government and that constitutional arrangements and external relations are reserved matters, does he agree that this decision will be taken as a nation by this nation as a whole?

[Mr Davis]

I thank the hon. Gentleman for his comments. He is exactly right. That is precisely correct.