Conduct of negotiations

Part of European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill – in the House of Commons at 3:15 pm on 8 February 2017.

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Photo of Kit Malthouse Kit Malthouse Conservative, North West Hampshire 3:15, 8 February 2017

My right hon. Friend has neatly drawn attention to the fundamental paradox that sits at the base of all Remainer arguments.

When we come to new clause 77, I think we have reached what I would call peak nonsense. The new clause, tabled by the hon. Member for Nottingham East, states:

“In negotiating and concluding an agreement in accordance with Article 50(2) of the Treaty on European Union, Ministers of the Crown must have regard to the desirability of retaining full participation in the making of all rules affecting trade in goods and services in the European Union.”

That effectively means remaining members of the Commission, members of the Parliament, and members of the Council of Ministers, or else not leaving the EU. As far as I can see, that is indeed peak nonsense. Yet again, we see bad legislation and bad law.