Northern Ireland Backstop Debate

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Department: Attorney General

Northern Ireland Backstop

Vicky Ford Excerpts
Tuesday 19th February 2019

(5 years, 2 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Robert Buckland Portrait The Solicitor General
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The hon. Gentleman knows that I am here and always ready to talk, as are the Government, and the dialogue continues. The Leader of the Opposition has of course made an approach, which we welcomed. That is an important sign of the cross-party work that needs to continue.

I have said what I have said about our civil servants. Politicians are here to be accountable and to answer for our actions; civil servants are there to carry them out, nothing further.

Vicky Ford Portrait Vicky Ford (Chelmsford) (Con)
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I find this urgent question from the Opposition somewhat bizarre, as only last Thursday the Opposition Brexit spokesperson, the right hon. and learned Member for Holborn and St Pancras (Keir Starmer), said that he had no problems with the backstop at all. For the avoidance of doubt, will the Solicitor General confirm again that the Government stand firmly behind all their commitments on the Belfast Good Friday agreement?

Robert Buckland Portrait The Solicitor General
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I will never tire of saying to my hon. Friend or to the House that we remain steadfast in our commitment to the Belfast agreement. It is as important to me now as it was when it was signed 20 years ago.