Monday 6th November 2017

(7 years, 1 month ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Callanan Portrait Lord Callanan
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My Lords, I do not think I said that. Of course we have an interest in co-operation with our European partners, and that will include an interest in how the EU develops. As I have said, we will want to take forward a close and constructive partnership, including on security and defence matters, so of course we will have an interest in how it proceeds.

Lord Higgins Portrait Lord Higgins (Con)
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Has my noble friend noticed that the referendum to which he referred was established by Parliament very clearly as an advisory referendum? Should that not be something we respect before we consider any further action?

Lord Callanan Portrait Lord Callanan
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The referendum took place. The Government spent, I think, £9 million on sending round pamphlets saying that we would respect the outcome of that vote, and that is what we are doing.