European Council Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

European Council

John Bercow Excerpts
Monday 24th October 2016

(7 years, 5 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Theresa May Portrait The Prime Minister
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This is an issue the hon. Gentleman has campaigned long and hard on. He has asked this question of David Cameron in the past when he was Prime Minister and he has asked it of me as Home Secretary, and I am sure he has asked it of previous Foreign Secretaries. We have our own rules and regulations in terms of how we determine who is able to enter the UK. The hon. Gentleman talks about the old position; it was the position of the UK Government and it remains the position of the UK Government.

John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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There is much to be said for a bit of repetition, which is not a novel phenomenon in the House of Commons.

Richard Drax Portrait Richard Drax (South Dorset) (Con)
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The majority of voters in South Dorset are also congratulating the Prime Minister on her stance. Does she agree that voters of EU countries will scrutinise their politicians very carefully as we negotiate our exit and vote accordingly at the next opportunity they have if they perceive their leaders doing anything to endanger jobs and prosperity to maintain a flawed political project?

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John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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I call Martin Docherty-Hughes.

Martin Docherty-Hughes Portrait Martin Docherty-Hughes
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And here was me wanting to save the best for last.

Recently the Secretary-General of NATO called the European Union

“an essential partner for NATO”,

and said that NATO has every opportunity to strengthen

“our unity and practical cooperation even further.”

Therefore, how can a newly confirmed Brexit Prime Minister deliver security without even closer military union with the European Union, as accepted by our NATO allies?