EU: Future Relationship White Paper

Mike Gapes Excerpts
Thursday 12th July 2018

(5 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Dominic Raab Portrait Dominic Raab
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I thank my hon. Friend. I can give him the reassurance that it would not be part of the withdrawal agreement process; it would be part of the future deep and special relationship. In the same way as we approach global free trade with partners from Latin America to Asia, when we look at the liberalisation of trade in goods, for example, through the reduction of tariffs or services, we can also ensure that we have sensible arrangements on visas.

Mike Gapes Portrait Mike Gapes (Ilford South) (Lab/Co-op)
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My speed-reading skills are not perfect, but I only noticed two references to the overseas territories: one on page 96 and one in the conclusions. What does this White Paper mean for British overseas territories? Does it mean that they, and particularly Gibraltar, will be treated in exactly the same way as the UK during any transition period?

Dominic Raab Portrait Dominic Raab
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Yes. The overseas territories will retain the status that they have. We are, of course, consulting with them and, indeed, with the devolved Administrations right the way through this process.