Oral Answers to Questions

Vicky Foxcroft Excerpts

Tuesday 4th December 2018 Commons Chamber

The Secretary of State was asked—

[Vicky Foxcroft (Lewisham, Deptford) (Lab)]

1. What recent discussions he has had with his European counterparts on continued diplomatic co-operation after the UK leaves the EU.

[Stephen Doughty (Cardiff South and Penarth) (Lab/Co-op)]

8. What recent discussions he has had with his European counterparts on continued diplomatic co-operation after the UK leaves the EU.

[The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr Jeremy Hunt)]

I have recently discussed post-Brexit diplomatic co-operation with my French, German, Belgian and Norwegian counterparts, and I am confident that it will continue post Brexit.

[Vicky Foxcroft]

When the Cabinet met to discuss the Prime Minister’s deal, the Foreign Secretary said that it risked leaving the UK in what he called the “Turkey trap”, and that the backstop could in fact become an indefinite “frontstop”. Given those entirely valid concerns, will he explain why he is backing this terrible deal?

[Mr Hunt]

I do not comment on confidential Cabinet discussions, except to say that I started my comments at that meeting by saying that this is a time when all of us owe our loyalty to the Prime Minister, who has an extremely challenging job. And like many Members of this House, I am looking forward to a delicious roast turkey for Christmas.