Northern Ireland Protocol Bill

Debate between Simon Hoare and Andrew Murrison

2nd reading
Monday 27th June 2022 Commons Chamber

[Simon Hoare]

If the hon. Gentleman will allow me, I want to make a few more points.

This Bill represents a failure of statecraft and puts at risk the reputation of the United Kingdom. The arguments in support of it are flimsy at best and irrational at worst. The Bill risks economically harmful retaliation and runs the risk of shredding our reputation as a guardian of international law and the rules-based system. How in the name of heaven can we expect to speak to others with authority when we ourselves shun, at a moment’s notice, our legal obligations? A hard-won reputation so easily played with—

[Dr Andrew Murrison (South West Wiltshire) (Con)]

rose—

[Simon Hoare]

I give way to my constituency neighbour.

[Dr Murrison]

My hon. Friend and constituency neighbour is making a good speech. Of course, the Bill is permissive legislation; meanwhile, negotiations are ongoing. He referred to a failure of statecraft—whose failure?