Oral Answers to Questions

Jeff Smith Excerpts

Wednesday 26th October 2016 Commons Chamber

[Craig Whittaker (Calder Valley) (Con)]

4. What recent discussions he has had with the Government of the Republic of Ireland on the UK’s decision to leave the EU.

[Jeff Smith (Manchester, Withington) (Lab)]

6. What discussions he has had with the Government of the Republic of Ireland on the Government’s negotiations on the UK leaving the EU.

[Michael Tomlinson (Mid Dorset and North Poole) (Con)]

7. What recent discussions he has had with the Government of the Republic of Ireland on the UK’s decision to leave the EU.

--- Later in debate ---

[Jeff Smith]

I am pleased to hear the Secretary of State reassure us that the common travel area is a key priority. Does not the fact that citizens of EU countries will be able to move freely to live and work in the Irish Republic make a nonsense of the leave campaign claims that Brexit means that somehow we can take back control of our borders?

[James Brokenshire]

No. This Government are very clear that the EU referendum underlined that free movement cannot continue as it does today. We are considering carefully the options in relation to migration policy as well as border policy, to ensure that both work in the best interests of the United Kingdom.