New Partnership with the EU

Debate between Heidi Allen and David Davis

Tuesday 17th January 2017 Commons Chamber

[Mr Davis]

I was asked by the Select Committee to present a plan as quickly as possible, and that is what we have done.

[Heidi Allen (South Cambridgeshire) (Con)]

I am very pleased to hear that priorities include allowing EU citizens to stay here and allowing us still to access the vital skills that we need, especially for science and innovation. While appreciating that the Prime Minister’s negotiation cannot be open for all to see and that no running commentary will be possible, will the Secretary of State commit to listening to the globally recognised scientific organisations in my constituency, because their needs and requirements must be reflected in our negotiating aims?

[Mr Davis]

Broadly, yes. My hon. Friend is the Member for South Cambridgeshire. I was in Cambridge only just before Christmas to speak to a number of high-tech organisations—one of which was ARM, but a number of others as well, including some pharmaceutical ones—with the direct intention of informing exactly how we approach some of these complex matters in the negotiation.

Article 50

Debate between Heidi Allen and David Davis

Monday 7th November 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Davis]

I am afraid I do not recognise anything in today’s Financial Times.

[Heidi Allen (South Cambridgeshire) (Con)]

I believe that acceptance of the High Court ruling would have offered a symbolic and inclusive hand to those of us who voted to remain. Inclusion is a part—a key ingredient—of the Prime Minister’s strategy of bringing the country back together and we all need to come along on this journey. The Government have chosen not to do that, but can we agree that the judiciary have an important role to play in our constitution and should be allowed to do so independently, with our respect? This is what grown-up sovereignty feels like.

[Mr Davis]

I do not recognise the first part of my hon. Friend’s comments and I do not see how the Government have refused to be inclusive. We have taken input on vast amounts of policy from large numbers of people who voted or campaigned for remain, so I do not think her description is remotely true.