Brexit: Support for Remaining in the EU Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Department for Exiting the European Union
Lord Hannay of Chiswick
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Brexit: Support for Remaining in the EU
Lord Hannay of Chiswick Excerpts(5 years, 3 months ago)
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Lord Callanan
My Lords, a no-deal Brexit is on the cards because Parliament has legislated for our leaving on 29 March, which accords with how the majority of people in Wales voted. The best way to prevent no deal is to have a deal. There is a deal on the table.
Lord Hannay of Chiswick (CB)
My Lords, does the Minister recognise that in the situation we are now in, there is no realistic possibility of settling this matter before 29 March other than by a default departure, which this House categorically rejected by a majority of 169? Could he not take a slightly softer tone about the need for a prolongation, which is now quite obvious to everyone?
Lord Callanan
I thank the noble Lord for his comments but it is not a question of taking a softer or harder tone. I was merely quoting what the law passed by this Parliament, and the Article 50 process, says: that we will leave on 29 March. If that were to change, it would need to change by statute.