European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill and Extension Letter Debate

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Department: Department for Exiting the European Union

European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill and Extension Letter

John Whittingdale Excerpts
Monday 21st October 2019

(4 years, 8 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Steve Barclay Portrait Stephen Barclay
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The Prime Minister did not sign the letter, so I think the issue of veracity was actually in the question.

John Whittingdale Portrait Mr John Whittingdale (Maldon) (Con)
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Does my right hon Friend agree that what the recipients of the letter and other EU member states, and indeed this country, want to know is whether the agreement that they have reached with the Prime Minister commands the majority support of this House, and how does he propose to explain to them that now, on a second day of the House of Commons meeting, we are still unable to discover that?

Steve Barclay Portrait Stephen Barclay
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I very much share my right hon. Friend’s frustration. That exactly is the question that will be posed in capitals; they have reached a deal with the Government and they want to see the UK leave in a smooth and orderly way. That is what their citizens want to see, it is what UK citizens in Europe want to happen, and the sooner we get on and do it the better.