Extracts from second reading debate (Lords) of the European Union (Future Relationship) Bill - Dec 30
Thursday, 31 December 2020 07:33
Lord Wallace of Saltaire (LD) [V]:...Lastly, I query the
territorial extent clause of this Bill. This Government have
pledged to “take back control” of UK sovereignty. Yet the Crown
dependencies and overseas territories—the offshore havens that
benefit from British sovereignty but avoid many of its obligations
—are left outside. These are of course sources of large donations
to Conservative groups and right-wing think tanks, and the
headquarters of companies that win public...Request free trial
(LD)
[V]:...Lastly, I query the territorial extent clause of this
Bill. This Government have pledged to “take back control” of UK
sovereignty. Yet the Crown dependencies and overseas
territories—the offshore havens that benefit from British
sovereignty but avoid many of its obligations —are left outside.
These are of course sources of large donations to Conservative
groups and right-wing think tanks, and the headquarters of
companies that win public procurement contracts. It is a deceit on
the British people to proclaim total sovereignty against the EU but
to permit British possessions exemptions from the obligations of
sovereignty. This too we will pursue further...
(Con)...My purpose in wishing to speak today is in
part to participate in what is undoubtedly an historic debate, but
also to raise the specific issue of Gibraltar and our other
overseas territories It is the
last moment to try to safeguard the future of the loyal people of
Gibraltar; I had hoped and tried to do so previously but was not as
fortunate in those ballots as I have been today. It has already
been said that Gibraltar had received assurances that there would
be no deal unless its position was covered, and it has been
excluded. But I think the Government of Gibraltar agree, as I do,
that the worst-case scenario would have been no deal at
all.
Is my noble friend able to put on the record assurances that,
for the future, a free trade agreement between Gibraltar and the
European Union would be the appropriate light-touch approach to
deal with the movement of goods, and that the airport, ports and
border with Spain will be the subject of further careful and
detailed negotiation, which will always include the Government of
Gibraltar? Let it be said that the Government of Gibraltar have
behaved in an exemplary manner by not making a fuss or falling out
of line with official UK policy. They have always sought to find
ways to resolve the difficulties that Brexit has brought to them,
even though 96% of Gibraltarians voted to remain. Can my noble
friend further outline the extent to which this Bill affects our
other overseas territories especially
perhaps Anguilla, which also has a border with the European Union,
albeit in the Caribbean?
The Minister of State, Cabinet Office () (Con):...I was asked about Gibraltar and
the overseas territories Although an
agreement has not yet been reached on Gibraltar’s future
relationship with the EU in line with the conclusion of the UK-EU
deal, we are fully committed to continuing to work together with
the Governments of Gibraltar and Spain to reach a political
agreement as soon as practicable. Continuing to work together with
Spain and the EU to mitigate the effects of the end of the
transition period on Gibraltar and ensure the well-being and
prosperity of people in the region is an absolute priority for the
Government. This includes ensuring border fluidity, which is in all
parties’ best interests. The UK has always been, and will remain,
steadfast in our support for Gibraltar...
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