International Update

Debate between Andy Burnham and Patrick Spencer

Monday 12th October 2026 Commons Chamber

[The Prime Minister]

My hon. Friend has paid a touching tribute to Jean, and I am pleased to reiterate that from the Dispatch Box. I know that she will be much missed in Harlow. He is exactly right: this is not about rerunning anything, but about getting a pragmatic arrangement that improves the position. I think most of the common-sense people of Harlow will fully understand what I am trying to do.

[Patrick Spencer (Central Suffolk and North Ipswich) (Con)]

Can I just get clarity? The Prime Minister said that he wanted to increase defence spending, but then he backtracked. He then said he would prioritise welfare—sorry, he promised to cut welfare, before prioritising it over defence. Despite his making a commitment to not reopen the Brexit debate, that is exactly what he has now done. He said here in the Chamber that there would be no referendum. Does that mean he would consider taking Britain back into Europe unilaterally?

[The Prime Minister]

I was trying to follow that question, but it was going on. The answer is no, full stop.