MP speaks in today’s EU debate
Today is the third day of the five-day debate on the Withdrawal Agreement. John Baron MP has tabled an amendment to the Government’s motion which could give the UK a unilateral right to exit the backstop. The votes will take place at the end of the debate on 11th December.
In the Chamber, John said,
“Despite the Prime Minister handling herself well during these testing times, No 10 has approached these negotiations as a problem to be managed rather than an opportunity to be seized. However, as MPs we now need to judge the situation as it is.”
“The Withdrawal Agreement essentially comes in two parts – the transition period and the backstop. I do not like elements of the transition period, but it is essentially EU membership whilst we negotiate a trade deal. After 40 years of integration, one has got to be pragmatic. One can not jump from imperfection to perfection in one bound, and the transition period at least has a defined end.”
“My problem is with the backstop, which is indefinite. It is like applying for a job which only your employer could free you from. Meanwhile, it risks our union, makes trade deals impossible and means we would be a rule-taker. Arguments that it would also be uncomfortable for the EU, and therefore they would want to end it, ignore history – the EU has often cut its nose to spite its face in order to achieve wider political objectives.”
“My amendment would give the UK a unilateral right to exit the backstop. I urge the Prime Minister to amend the Withdrawal Agreement along these lines, if necessary by going back to the EU to renegotiate.”
Notes to Editors:
• John’s amendment (f) is online (p. 9) at: https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201719/cmagenda/OP181206.pdf.
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