Oral Answers to Questions

Michael Tomlinson Excerpts

Thursday 27th April 2017 Commons Chamber

[Mr Walker]

I say gently to the hon. Gentleman that we do not write the guidelines, but we recognise that financial services will be part of a comprehensive deal. We have talked about a comprehensive free trade agreement, and it certainly has not been ruled out. What the EU has said is that it does not want to do separate sectoral deals—well, actually, nor do we. We want the most comprehensive trade agreement available and we think that that should include services, including financial services.

[Michael Tomlinson (Mid Dorset and North Poole) (Con)]

6. What steps the Government are taking in preparing the great repeal Bill to protect (a) employment and (b) workers’ rights.

[The Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union (Mr David Davis)]

I shall start by saying that I am going to disappoint the hon. Member for Huddersfield (Mr Sheerman) as I will stick to my brief.

The White Paper published on 30 March sets out that the employment and workers’ rights that are enjoyed under EU law will continue to be available in UK law after we have left the European Union as the great repeal Bill will convert EU law into domestic law. This will give certainty and continuity to employees and employers alike, creating stability in which the United Kingdom can grow and thrive.

[Michael Tomlinson]

I am grateful to the Secretary of State for that answer. Since the Health and Morals of Apprentices Act, it is the Conservatives who first protected workers’ rights and put those protections on to the statute book. Will he confirm that, post-Brexit, we will continue to do so not only to protect them, but to enhance them, thereby proving that we are the real workers’ party?

[Mr Davis]

I had not expected references to 1802—it was 1802, was it not?

[Michael Tomlinson]

indicated assent.