Business of the House

Sandy Martin Excerpts

Wednesday 13th March 2019 Commons Chamber

[Andrea Leadsom]

My hon. Friend gives me the opportunity to pay tribute to the excellent work of the civil service, who have spent the last two and a half years above and beyond the call of duty—so many of them focused on delivering on the referendum. That is something to be proud of.

[Sandy Martin (Ipswich) (Lab)]

Does the Leader of the House not recognise that the Prime Minister will not be able to pass a deal simply with the support of the Members sitting behind her—and if she had not fully recognised that until this evening surely she does now? If there is to be any deal that we can take to the European Parliament, European Commission and European Council in order to try to secure any sort of deal other than a no-deal Brexit, she is going to have to negotiate a deal with Members on the Opposition side of the House—not just to talk to Members on the Opposition Benches, but negotiate a deal with them.

[Andrea Leadsom]

My right hon. Friend has indeed reached out to Members across the House, and the hon. Gentleman knows that full well.