UK’s Withdrawal from the EU

Debate between Henry Smith and Anna Soubry

Thursday 14th February 2019 Commons Chamber

[Henry Smith]

We have seen significant majorities both in favour of leaving the European Union, in that about 80% of Members of Parliament elected at the last general election said they would follow through on it—

[Anna Soubry]

Will my hon. Friend give way?

[Henry Smith]

I do not have any time; I do apologise.

[Anna Soubry]

Oh!

--- Later in debate ---

[Henry Smith]

Actually, yes, I will give way very briefly.

[Anna Soubry]

Can my hon. Friend remind us of the promises made by the leave campaign, which he supported? It repeatedly said that we would not leave the European Union until a trade deal securing our future trading relationship with the EU had been secured. Does he remember such broken promises?

[Henry Smith]

I never made that promise when I supported leaving the European Union. I believe that a deal is the best way forward, but let us not forget that the vast majority of right hon. and hon. Members voted in favour of the legislation to leave the European Union on 29 March, and if no deal is the result, that is the default position.