Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership

Debate between Helen Goodman and Lord Lilley

Thursday 10th December 2015 Commons Chamber

[Helen Goodman]

My hon. Friend makes a fair point, but I just want to say that I think that Ministers are inhibited from taking policy action by fear of court and legal proceedings. When I was a Minister at the Department for Work and Pensions, albeit a very junior one, I was interested in considering the entitlements to benefits of migrants from eastern Europe. My officials not only would not make the changes I was asking them to make, but would not even give me advice on the matter. They said, “Minister, to advise you on that would be to advise you on an illegal action.” That is exactly the kind of conversation Ministers will get into with the ISDS.

[Mr Lilley]

indicated assent.

[Helen Goodman]

I am pleased to see the right hon. Gentleman nodding in agreement.