Brexit

Lord Hylton Excerpts

Thursday 3rd November 2016 Lords Chamber

[Lord Bridges of Headley]

I have nothing further to add to what I said a moment ago. The Government’s decision is to appeal this judgment. The referendum result was clear. Some 17.4 million people voted to leave, and the Government have made it clear that they wish to deliver on that.

[Lord Hylton (CB)]

My Lords—

[Lord Anderson of Swansea (Lab)]

My Lords—

--- Later in debate ---

[The Lord Privy Seal (Baroness Evans of Bowes Park) (Con)]

My Lords, it is the turn of the Cross Benches.

[Lord Hylton]

My Lords, does the Minister agree that the Question underlines the importance of this country’s role in all the other European institutions other than the EU?

[Lord Bridges of Headley]

Yes, I think the noble Lord is referring to the institutions that operate external to the EU and which have helped to underpin our security. At the same time, I would point out that, as regards defence, the Government believe that NATO is the bedrock of our defence policy. On the wider point that is implicit in the noble Lord’s question, there are a number of areas of co-operation as regards defence, security, and research and development which we will wish to look at in the future to see whether our continued co-operation and collaboration fulfil our national interest.