European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 9:40 am on 20 December 2019.

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Photo of Boris Johnson Boris Johnson Leader of the Conservative Party, The Prime Minister 9:40, 20 December 2019

No, I will not give way.

We must now begin building our future relationship with the EU. Our aim is to provide a close friendship between sovereign equals, to promote our common interests, inspired by pride in our European heritage and civilisation. Clause 3 of the political declaration invokes that spirit, establishing

“the parameters of an ambitious, broad, deep and flexible partnership” rooted in our shared “history and ideals” and

“standing together against threats to rights and values from without or within”.

I am absolutely determined that this great project will be the project not of one Government or one party, but of the British nation as a whole, so Parliament will be kept fully informed of the progress of these negotiations.