EU-UK Summit: Visa Waiver Agreement

Lord Bellingham Excerpts

Thursday 8th May 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

I thank the noble Baroness. We have discussed cabotage in this Chamber before. It is extremely complex. I do not know how it could have come about that it was not foreseen that having to stop at all the different borders of EU countries would not present an enormous problem.

This issue is certainly on the agenda generally and is the subject of discussions. I look forward to the outcome of many of these discussions, and particularly the outcome of the summit itself, which is going to be a very important and wider moment in terms of bringing politicians and officials together on a whole range of issues.

[Lord Bellingham (Con)]

My Lords, the noble Earl, Lord Clancarty, put forward a really strong point, for which there is widespread support in the House. At the summit there will obviously be requests from many other groups and organisations. Can the Minister give a firm assurance to Parliament that the price of these special waivers will not be any concessions on fisheries?

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

I am given some challenges at the Dispatch Box, but I have to say that that is a particular one. The point that I am trying to get across is that the discussions, particularly at the summit, have to consider the broadest range of issues that are facing us through the reset and setting up strategic partnerships. I shall certainly take back the comment about fisheries—but I am sure that other people will be making important points as well.