This White Paper is a wish list, not an action plan - Starmer

Keir Starmer MP, Labour's Shadow Secretary of State for Exiting the EU, speaking after the release of the Government's Brexit White Paper, said:

"Today's White Paper is indicative of the Government's whole approach to Brexit.

"For months they have refused to publish a plan or allow proper scrutiny, and when they are finally forced to produce a White Paper it is rushed, limited and not well thought through.

"The White Paper offers no certainty for EU citizens living in the UK, no additional detail on how workers' and consumer rights will be protected, and nothing on how full tariff-free access to the single market will be delivered.

"It's a wish list, not an action plan.

"Labour has said throughout that there needs to be accountability and scrutiny throughout the Brexit process.

"Next week we will debate amendments to the Article 50 Bill that would achieve that - in particular by guaranteeing a meaningful vote that ensures our Parliament votes on the Article 50 deal before the European Parliament does. The Government should welcome that, not reject it".