Leaving the European Union Debate

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Department: Leader of the House

Leaving the European Union

Lord Butler of Brockwell Excerpts
Monday 21st January 2019

(5 years, 2 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Baroness Evans of Bowes Park Portrait Baroness Evans of Bowes Park
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The noble Lord will be well aware that primary legislation would be needed to have a second referendum. He may remember that the previous Bill took seven months.

Lord Butler of Brockwell Portrait Lord Butler of Brockwell (CB)
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My Lords, is it not the case that if the Prime Minister is to get Parliament’s approval for this agreement she will have to show the same degree of flexibility as she expects of others? Is it not also the case that her own party in another place, while rejecting her deal, is denying her that flexibility? While that remains the case, are we not just wasting crucial time?

Baroness Evans of Bowes Park Portrait Baroness Evans of Bowes Park
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Obviously, it was a large defeat last week and the Prime Minister has recognised that, which is why she has begun these conversations, along with other senior members of the Government and Cabinet. We want to find solutions that can command support across the House of Commons, so that we can leave the European Union with a deal that is good for both of us.