Parliamentary Scrutiny of Leaving the EU

Iain Duncan Smith Excerpts

Wednesday 12th October 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Davis]

I was just about to say that the hon. and learned Gentleman will remember from Monday that I reiterated the support for his standing as a lawyer.

[Mr Iain Duncan Smith (Chingford and Woodford Green) (Con)]

rose—

[Keir Starmer]

I give way.

[Hon. Members]

Apologise!

[Mr Duncan Smith]

I am going to. May I unreservedly withdraw the allegation that I made on Monday, only on the basis that it was clumsy? It was not meant about him; it was meant about advice. I do not for one moment doubt the hon. and learned Gentleman’s capabilities as a lawyer.

--- Later in debate ---

[Keir Starmer]

I will press on, because I am conscious that many people want to participate in the debate.

[Mr Duncan Smith]

rose—

[Keir Starmer]

I hope that I am not going to get relegated straight away.

[Mr Duncan Smith]

The hon. and learned Gentleman said that it was important for the Government to come before Parliament, specifically to lay out their negotiating position. He says that there was a simple question on the ballot paper on whether we should leave the European Union or not. Will he tell us what the simple definition is of leaving the European Union? Is it the non-application of European law?

[Keir Starmer]

No. There are very different models for leaving. We have to be clear about what is actually happening, because that is important when we come to the point about treaties; we are leaving one treaty and almost certainly signing new treaties, so this is not just about exiting one treaty. I have not yet met anybody who suggests that there should be no relationship between the UK and the EU. [Interruption.] No, seriously, speaking as someone who has spent five years dealing with counter-terrorism and serious criminal offences across Europe, it is inconceivable that we will not sign new treaties with the EU; to do otherwise would undermine our security.