Northern Ireland Protocol: Implementation Proposals

Debate between Robin Walker and Gavin Newlands

Wednesday 18th November 2020 Commons Chamber

[Mr Walker]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right to draw attention to those duties. We continue to engage in good faith, and we hope these issues can be resolved in the Joint Committee in a way that shows both parties have done so.

[Gavin Newlands (Paisley and Renfrewshire North) (SNP)]

For all the issues that the Government face on the protocol—caused by Brexit, it should be said—and all the concerns raised by Members in the House this afternoon, are they now tempted to agree with the comments made by their own Brexit negotiator, David Frost, who concluded in 2016 that it

“simply isn’t worth jeopardising access to the single market for the sake of global trade”?

[Mr Walker]

Pulling points out of context from what people said in the past is always a dangerous game. I have great faith in our negotiator, and I am sure that he will deliver the best deal he possibly can.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Robin Walker and Gavin Newlands

Wednesday 18th March 2020 Commons Chamber

[Mr Walker]

The hon. Lady has raised an important point. We want to work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive on this issue. Clearly these are devolved issues, and I think that the Executive’s response to the consultation on environment strategy will be key to addressing that question.

[Gavin Newlands (Paisley and Renfrewshire North) (SNP)]

8. What recent discussions he has had with the Prime Minister on the implementation of the Ireland/Northern Ireland Protocol in the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Act 2020.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Robin Walker and Gavin Newlands

Thursday 3rd May 2018 Commons Chamber

[Gavin Newlands (Paisley and Renfrewshire North) (SNP)]

T4. As we have heard, 60 Tory MPs have delivered an ultimatum to the Prime Minister threatening to bring down the Government—although I do not think the Government need any assistance in that regard at the moment—if they continue to seek a customs partnership with the EU countries. When did the Secretary of State first become aware of that document?

[Mr Robin Walker]

I am not aware of the document to which the hon. Gentleman refers.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Robin Walker and Gavin Newlands

Thursday 1st December 2016 Commons Chamber

[Gavin Newlands]

I thank the Minister for that answer. The University of the West of Scotland provides a high-quality and accessible education, and the university’s 112 staff from the EU are absolutely critical in delivering that. Can the Minister guarantee EU staff working across higher education and further education the right to remain without any visa conditions when the UK leaves the EU?

[Mr Walker]

We value highly the contribution of EU and international researchers and academic staff. We remain fully open to scientists and researchers from across the EU, and we will always welcome those with the skills, drive and expertise to make our nation better still. Regarding those who are already in the UK, we have been clear that there has been no change to the rights and status of EU nationals in the UK as a result of the referendum.