Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Northern Ireland Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Marcus Fysh Excerpts
Wednesday 13th September 2017

(6 years, 7 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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James Brokenshire Portrait James Brokenshire
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I point the hon. Gentleman to the paper that the EU itself issued, which said:

“The continued operation of the Common Travel Area is fundamental to facilitating the interaction of people in Ireland and the United Kingdom…Continuation of the Common Travel Area arrangements, in conformity with European Union law, should be recognised.”

I encourage the hon. Gentleman to do so.

Marcus Fysh Portrait Mr Marcus Fysh (Yeovil) (Con)
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Given that neither Ireland nor the UK is a member of the Schengen agreement, and given that security information is already shared whenever members of the public cross the Irish sea, does that not provide a framework for co-operation between north and south?

James Brokenshire Portrait James Brokenshire
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My hon. Friend highlights the strong co-operation between the Irish and UK Governments in respect of the common travel area. We want that to continue in the future. It has served us well over many decades, which is why our paper highlights its importance. Indeed, I think that the EU itself recognises that too.