European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018

Lord Judd Excerpts

Tuesday 11th December 2018 Lords Chamber

[Lord Keen of Elie]

In the event that the House of Commons resolves not to approve the withdrawal agreement, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13, it will be a requirement that a Minister of the Crown will, within a period of 21 days, make a Statement to the House with regard to our intentions.

[Lord Judd (Lab)]

My Lords, does the Minister accept that meanwhile there is real urgency about what happens next and that the 21 January strategy should in a sense fade into the background because immediate information and certainty is necessary? I am constantly approached by people in business, the professions, the health service and universities about the uncertainty prevailing in their planning for the future. We are going into the new year with no further indication of certainty on which they can plan.

[Lord Keen of Elie]

My Lords, certainty can be embraced in due course by proving the withdrawal agreement that has been laid before Parliament.