Brexit Transition: European Parliament Membership

Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town Excerpts

Thursday 7th June 2018 Lords Chamber

[Lord Callanan]

During the implementation period, we have agreed to establish a joint committee of representatives from both sides, which will be able to resolve concerns if and when they arise. Of course, we have also agreed a duty of good faith on both sides.

[Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town (Lab)]

Might I ask the Minister to quote Article 50 accurately in future? It does not say that we will leave two years afterwards, it says two years afterwards or such date as is agreed in the withdrawal agreement. Given that the Government seem to be quite unable to get that withdrawal agreement anywhere near ready, can the Minister also say—in agreeing to the wording I have just given—whether they have discussed perhaps reverting to appointing Members of the European Parliament, as we used to do, should that be necessary?

[Lord Callanan]

No, we have not agreed to that because we are leaving on 30 March 2019.