Oral Answers to Questions

Lord Coaker Excerpts
Thursday 14th June 2018

(5 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Robin Walker Portrait Mr Walker
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My hon. Friend is right about the advantages of ensuring frictionless trade between the UK and the EU, and that is the Government’s policy.

Lord Coaker Portrait Vernon Coaker (Gedling) (Lab)
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Would not this Parliament, and the entire island of Ireland, be reassured by what the Minister is saying about a border if the Government had allowed more time for Members of the House to discuss these hugely serious issues? What will the Government do about that, and will the Minister discuss with his Cabinet colleagues how we discuss these issues in Parliament, rather than listening to the waffle of the Minister?

Robin Walker Portrait Mr Walker
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I seem to remember spending quite a lot of time discussing that issue in Committee, including being harangued by the hon. Gentleman to ensure that the Bill contained a specific reference to the Belfast agreement. Thanks to the changes we have made, and the acceptance of Lords amendment 25, there is now that specific reference, which I am sure he will welcome.