Business of the House

Kirsten Oswald Excerpts

Thursday 13th February 2020 Commons Chamber

[Mr Rees-Mogg]

As it was once suggested that I should myself be listed, I have a great affection for listed buildings and their protection. I think it would be right to seek an Adjournment debate on the colliery that my hon. Friend refers to because, in my view, it is exactly the type of constituency issue that is very well highlighted in Adjournment debates.

[Kirsten Oswald (East Renfrewshire) (SNP)]

Before the EU referendum, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster said that

“the one thing that will not change will be our ability to trade freely with Europe”.

But he now says that it is likely that there will be physical checks, as well as, almost certainly, safety and security certificates, and that almost everybody exporting will need to complete customs declarations. Will the Leader of the House make a statement on whether he still thinks that concerns about broken promises on frictionless trade are, as he described them, Project Fear?

[Mr Rees-Mogg]

Project Fear was one of the reasons the Conservatives did so enormously well in the last election. People were fed up to the back teeth with Project Fear. I am glad to say that we are leaving the European Union. The consequence of that is that we will be dealing with the European Union as an independent, sovereign equal, and that will mean changes.