Transparency of the financial settlement

European Union (Withdrawal) Bill – in the House of Commons at 7:45 pm on 6 December 2017.

Alert me about debates like this

Votes in this debate

‘(1) Financial provision may be made for a financial settlement agreed as part of any withdrawal agreement under Article 50 of the Treaty of the European Union.

(2) Subsection 1 applies only if the financial settlement honours obligations incurred by the United Kingdom during the period of its membership of the EU.

(3) The Treasury must lay before both Houses of Parliament an estimate of the financial obligations incurred by the United Kingdom during the period of its membership of the EU, together with reports from the Office of Budget Responsibility, the National Audit Office and the Government Actuary each giving its independent assessment of the Treasury’s estimate.

(4) Any financial settlement payment to the European Commission or any other EU entity may be made only in accordance with regulations made by a Minister of the Crown.

(5) Regulations under subsection (4) may be made only if a draft of the regulations has been laid before, and approved by resolution of, the House of Commons.’—(Jenny Chapman.)

This new clause ensures that any financial settlement as part of leaving the EU must reflect obligations incurred by the UK during its membership of the EU, must be transparent, and must be approved by Parliament.

Brought up, and read the First time.

Question put, That the clause be read a Second time.

The House divided:

Ayes 287, Noes 312.

Division number 59 European Union (Withdrawal) Bill: Committee of the whole House New Clause 80

Aye: 287 MPs

No: 312 MPs

Aye: A-Z by last name

Tellers

No: A-Z by last name

Tellers

Question accordingly negatived.

Clause 12 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Schedule 4