Brexit: Date of Exit

Lord Framlingham Excerpts
Monday 8th April 2019

(5 years, 8 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Callanan Portrait Lord Callanan
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I always value the advice of the noble Lord, but I think in this case we will not be taking that particular piece of advice.

Lord Framlingham Portrait Lord Framlingham (Con)
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My Lords, could I urge the Minister to make it clear that, if we should leave the European Union this coming Friday, it would be neither catastrophic nor chaotic? It is true there might be some initial problems, but a lot of major issues would be cleared away immediately, and certainty would certainly be welcomed by the whole nation. It would give us a chance for a successful departure from the EU.

Lord Callanan Portrait Lord Callanan
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My noble friend is right to point out that we have been making extensive preparations across government for no deal, and I think that is a situation we could manage. Nevertheless, we are where we are. The House of Commons has refused to pass the withdrawal agreement and, with its agreement, the Prime Minister has decided that we need to seek a further extension.