Northern Ireland Backstop Debate

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Department: Attorney General

Northern Ireland Backstop

Mark Francois Excerpts
Tuesday 19th February 2019

(5 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Robert Buckland Portrait The Solicitor General
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I have not seen Senator Daly’s report but will look at it urgently because, like him, I treat the cause of peace with the utmost seriousness. In fact, everything that the Government have said reveals their dedication not only to the letter of the Belfast agreement but to its spirit as well.

Mark Francois Portrait Mr Mark Francois (Rayleigh and Wickford) (Con)
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The Solicitor General has told the House clearly that the Government will not provide a running commentary on the negotiations—unless, of course, it is Olly Robbins, the Government’s chief negotiator, who can get hammered in a bar in Brussels and give a detailed running commentary to anybody who happens to be in earshot. That is extremely unprofessional behaviour for a senior civil servant. A Minister who did that would be sacked. What disciplinary action has been taken against Mr Robbins? Or does he get away with it because he is teacher’s pet?

Robert Buckland Portrait The Solicitor General
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My right hon. Friend referred to a newspaper report on which it would be ill-advised for me to comment. Let me say this generally about our civil servants: whatever their role, position or views, they are in a singularly difficult position in that they cannot answer back.