Withdrawal Agreement: Proposed Changes

Michael Tomlinson Excerpts
Monday 7th October 2019

(4 years, 5 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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James Duddridge Portrait James Duddridge
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The reason why they are an improvement on the backstop is that the backstop could have left Northern Ireland linked to the EU in perpetuity without any consent. This consent mechanism is a massive improvement. I thank the hon. Lady for the discussions we have had. I think she wants to have another discussion with me after this, and I am more than happy to do that.

Michael Tomlinson Portrait Michael Tomlinson (Mid Dorset and North Poole) (Con)
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The Minister was asked whether the Government are committed to publishing the details, but would that question not carry more weight if those on the Labour Front Bench had not already closed their minds? Within minutes of the deal being proposed last week, they said it was not good enough. Sadly, too many minds on the Opposition Benches—with honourable exceptions—are already closed. Is it not time to just get on with it?

James Duddridge Portrait James Duddridge
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It is certainly time to get on with it. I think that there are a significant number of Opposition Members who have more open minds than those on the Labour Front Bench, and we look forward to working with them over the coming days and weeks.