Prime Minister's Update Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Prime Minister's Update

Richard Drax Excerpts
Wednesday 25th September 2019

(4 years, 7 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Boris Johnson Portrait The Prime Minister
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I must respectfully disagree with the hon. Lady’s characterisation of the surrender Act—[Interruption.] It has done damage and was intended to damage this country’s negotiating position. It is also right in this context to work hard together to get a deal done and to deliver on the mandate of the people, because that is what her constituents would want.

Richard Drax Portrait Richard Drax (South Dorset) (Con)
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I commend my right hon. Friend for his firm stance. If he comes back with a deal, can I ask that it not mirror in any way, shape or form, the deal that has already been thrown out of this House? I for one—and, I believe, the people of this country—do not want to remain with vassalage status for years to come. Let us get this done and leave the EU.

Boris Johnson Portrait The Prime Minister
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My hon. Friend is valiant for truth in this matter and he is right. The problem with the previously existing withdrawal agreement is that it would have kept the UK locked in the EU in a state tantamount to vassalage. We will make sure that the deal we do bears no resemblance to that predicament, and it will be a deal that I believe he can fully support.