Article 50 Extension

Exiting the European Union – in the House of Commons at on 27 June 2019.

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Photo of Tom Pursglove Tom Pursglove Conservative, Corby

What the Government’s policy is on extending the Article 50 process.

Photo of Steve Barclay Steve Barclay The Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union

The Government’s policy is not to extend article 50.

Photo of Tom Pursglove Tom Pursglove Conservative, Corby

I am grateful to the Secretary of State for that unequivocal answer, because people in Corby and east Northamptonshire are tired of the delay and the attempts here in Parliament to frustrate Brexit. They are particularly frustrated, by the fact that that is denying certainty for businesses. I am clear that there must be no more extensions and that we must leave on 31 October—no ifs, no buts. What steps is he taking to ensure that outcome?

Photo of Steve Barclay Steve Barclay The Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union

I share my hon. Friend’s frustration that we have not left; I have consistently voted to leave. I represent a constituency where 70% of voters voted to leave, and three years on, they are keen to ensure that this House delivers on that. There are over 300 no-deal workstreams in progress across Government. Considerable work is ongoing, and it is important that we prepare while continuing to seek a deal.