New Partnership with the EU Debate

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Department: Department for Exiting the European Union

Henry Smith

Main Page: Henry Smith (Conservative - Crawley)

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Northern Ireland Assembly Election

New Partnership with the EU

Henry Smith Excerpts

Point of Order
Tuesday 17th January 2017

(7 years, 3 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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David Davis Portrait Mr Davis
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What the hon. Gentleman will understand better than most is that once we have exited the European Union, every change in law will be subject to this Parliament’s decision.

Henry Smith Portrait Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con)
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I very much welcome the Prime Minister’s speech today, and indeed my right hon. Friend’s statement. Over the weekend, the New Zealand Prime Minister visited London and expressed a desire for a trade deal, and US President-elect Trump also wants a swift deal with the UK. There seems to be some confusion, so can my right hon. Friend confirm that we cannot negotiate global free trade deals if we remain members of the customs union?

David Davis Portrait Mr Davis
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My hon. Friend is exactly right. The common commercial policy prevents us from making such deals, which is why we have come to the conclusion that we have.

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