argyrotsipi/train-dataset huggingface dataset:
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: International Affairs
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): I agree with one thing that the hon. Gentleman said: there is a majority in this House that wants a sensible approach to Brexit. We saw that with the passage through this House of the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill, despite the votes of Labour Front Benchers, who voted against a stable and sensible approach with continuity and certainty as we take this process forward Of course we need to make sure that we deliver stability and continuity for our businesses, which was why the Government set out from the start, in the Prime Minister’s Lancaster House speech, the approach of having an implementation period. I am happy to update the House on the beginning of talks on that implementation period today, but we will take no lectures from the Opposition’s Front-Bench team, who have a different position on these issues every day of the week.
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: International Affairs
John Alan Redwood (Conservative, Centre-right): Will the Minister confirm that the Government are making good progress on the failsafe option of leaving under World Trade Organisation terms, in case there is not a good agreement on offer? Does he also agree that we are more likely to get a better offer from the EU if it realises that we have the perfectly good option of just leaving?
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: International Affairs
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): My right hon. Friend is right to say that the Government have to prepare for all eventualities, and I am working closely with the Under-Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, my hon. Friend the Member for Wycombe (Mr Baker) to ensure that we do just that. However, I am also very clear, as is the Government’s policy, that it is in the interests of the UK and the EU that we secure a partnership between us, and the implementation period is a bridge to that future.
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: International Affairs
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): If the hon. Gentleman is seeking to provide the real opposition, he might want a few more of his colleagues to turn up for debates in this House. Of course the Government will continue to carry out all the analysis and work that are needed to prepare for this process, but we are going to stick to what this House has repeatedly voted for, which is not to publish anything that would be prejudicial to our negotiating position.
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: Macroeconomics
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): I can assure my right hon. Friend that the Government have always put the interests of the economy at the heart of their approach to Brexit. We are seeking a successful negotiation that delivers for the UK economy and our neighbours in the EU, but of course we need to ensure that we are prepared for all eventualities. The implementation period has strong support from a wide range of business groups and we are therefore seeking to deliver that as swiftly as possible by the end of this quarter.
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: Foreign Trade
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): The right hon. Lady raises some important points, but her party, like mine, stood on a manifesto that said we would have our own independent trade policy and that we would therefore be leaving the customs union and the common external tariff. I know that Labour Front Benchers have already voted to uphold that, so this issue has been decided by the House, and the Prime Minister has shown real leadership in setting out the way forward.
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: International Affairs
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): We have always been very clear that the benefit of the implementation period will be there when both sides have agreed the shape of the future partnership and we can therefore implement that. We will be seeking to establish agreement on the future partnership before March 2019.
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: Foreign Trade
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): I do not recall hearing that suggestion from my hon. Friend the Member for North East Somerset (Mr Rees-Mogg). The Prime Minister has set out a clear approach, saying that the UK can benefit from its independent trade policy and pursue global trade in the future. That is what we are seeking to deliver.
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: International Affairs
Jacob William Rees-Mogg (Conservative, Centre-right): How does my hon. Friend square paragraph 4 of the European Union’s guidelines, which requires the phase 1 agreement to be respected in full and implemented in legal terms, with the idea that nothing is agreed until everything is agreed?
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: International Affairs
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): We have already set out our desire to reach that legal agreement with the EU on the withdrawal agreement, but it is of course clear from the terms of article 50 that the withdrawal agreement must have regard to the framework for the future relationship, which we are seeking to establish through the negotiations.
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: Foreign Trade
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): The Prime Minister has been clear that we do not want to be in some form of indefinite purgatory throughout the process. We need to take the opportunities for the UK that come from having an independent trade policy, and we have set out to provide continuity and certainty for our businesses through the implementation period. That continuity and certainty will be all the greater if we are clear about the future framework by the time we enter the implementation period.
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: Agriculture
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): It is clear that the UK will be leaving the common fisheries policy, but we now need to negotiate the terms of the implementation period. The EU has already set out some of its approaches and argues that we will not be playing a continuing role in some institutions. The logic of that is absolutely there. We will be leaving the common fisheries policy and taking control of our waters.
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: Foreign Trade
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): The Government have of course considered that, but the Prime Minister has set out that she does not believe that a Norway option is the right approach for the UK. It is important that we have control of our future trade policy, which is one of the objectives of our EU negotiation process.
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: Foreign Trade
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): I do not agree with the hon. Gentleman and do not share his pessimism. We start the trade negotiations from the unique position of our having a high degree of convergence with countries and territories that have followed the same rules for a long time. We can therefore be very ambitious about the future trade agreement that we can reach with the EU.
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: International Affairs
Edward Julian Egerton Leigh (Conservative, Centre-right): Until recently, I had thought that The Beano was a rather silly boys’ magazine; I now understand that it refers to "Brexit in name only". Will the Minister confirm that abiding by Brexit in name only is not Government policy, that we will not move modestly apart from Europe, that we are leaving the customs union, the single market and the European Union and that we will have control of our borders?
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: International Affairs
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): Of course the Government’s aim throughout this process is to put the national interest first. We have been clear, as was the hon. Lady’s own party in its manifesto at the last general election, that the UK will be leaving the European Union, which includes leaving the customs union.
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: Macroeconomics
Crispin Jeremy Rupert Blunt (Conservative, Centre-right): Our partners have made what seems to be an extremely sensible suggestion that the implementation period should end with the budget period, at the end of December 2020. That is about two years—a year and three quarters, to be precise—so why have we been unable to sign up to it so far?
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: International Affairs
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend raises an interesting point. The negotiations on that issue are about to begin, and there are reasons why we are confident that we will be able to reach agreement by the end of March. We believe that the implementation period should be, as he says, about two years. We look forward to engaging in those negotiations to reach agreement with our EU counterparts.
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: Foreign Trade
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): I do not agree with the right hon. Gentleman’s characterisation. He is right that many business sectors have spoken out for an implementation period, and they share the Prime Minister’s vision of an implementation period that is a bridge to our future relationship, but those businesses also regularly speak about the opportunities they see in the UK having its own independent trade policy.
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: International Affairs
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): My right hon. Friend speaks with great expertise on these matters. It will be in the interests of the UK and the EU to reach agreement on the exact period of this implementation period as soon as possible, but it is important that we enter this negotiation by trying to give ourselves sufficient flexibility to achieve success.
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: International Affairs
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): Very clearly, as the Prime Minister set out, the aim of the implementation period is to implement the future relationship between the UK and the EU and to allow us to put those structures in place for that future relationship. As the hon. Gentleman so often does, he speaks eloquently in this House on behalf of the EU, but we need to make sure that we are negotiating on behalf of the UK.
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: Foreign Trade
Jeremy John Elton Lefroy (Conservative, Centre-right): I thank my hon. Friend for his and this Government’s reasonable approach. I stress again that the European Free Trade Association does not require membership of either the customs union or the single market, but it does provide an administrative and legal framework that might be useful at least for the implementation period, if not further forward.
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: International Affairs
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): I am grateful for my hon. Friend’s point, and I know he takes a great interest in these areas. We believe that both the UK and the EU have set out a different basis for the implementation period, and it is one that can deliver such continuity and certainty, as we have seen in the negotiations.
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: International Affairs
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): It is very clear that this House has already voted for article 50, which means that we are leaving the European Union. What we want to ensure is that we have a good deal that this House will support.
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: Macroeconomics
Stephen William Hammond (Conservative, Centre-right): The welcome news on Friday that the UK economy grew more strongly in the fourth quarter highlights the importance of the services and financial services sectors to this economy. In response to a question on a previous occasion, the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union said he accepts that the future of financial services relies on a closely aligned regime of regulatory equivalence and mutual recognition. Does the Minister agree that that is still the policy of the Government?
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: Foreign Trade
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): I thank my hon. Friend for his question. Of course it is the policy of the Government to achieve a comprehensive free trade agreement with the European Union, building on the strong relationship we have had over the years to ensure we maintain strong market access for our services industry, including financial services. As he will know, the financial services sector is one of the many that has spoken up for this implementation period we are talking about delivering.
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: International Affairs
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): The hon. Lady makes an important point. It has of course been this Government’s position from the start of this process that we will not allow a hard border on the island of Ireland; we want to secure that through the future relationship between the UK and the EU. She refers to commitments in the joint report, and of course we want to protect north-south co-operation, wherever it exists, between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: Law and Crime
Robert James MacGillivray Neill (Conservative, Centre-right): As well as on the importance of financial services, does the Minister agree that the Government’s objective of maintaining and, if possible, maximising and increasing continuing judicial and security co-operation will also require a continuing very close alignment on regulatory matters, not least in relation to data protection and exchange? Will he confirm that that will remain a priority for the Government, more than artificial or ideological considerations?
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: International Affairs
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend raises an important point. We set out in our data paper the intention to reach a comprehensive deal between the UK and the EU on data, which I believe will be in the interests of both parties. He rightly points to what the Prime Minister has said, which is that our commitment to European security is non-negotiable.
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: International Affairs
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): The hon. Lady raises an important point, but we want to make sure that businesses have certainty both about the implementation period and about where they are headed through it. The benefits to businesses of an implementation period will be much greater if they know the shape of the future relationship to which we are headed, so I do not believe that prolonging this discussion will be in the interests of either the UK or the EU.
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: International Affairs
Peter William Bone (Conservative, Centre-right): Will the excellent Minister confirm that in 424 days’ time, when we leave the EU and start the implementation period, we will know what our future relationship with the EU will be after the implementation period?
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: International Affairs
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): There is a crucial distinction and difference here, in that the action of the ECJ in the UK currently takes place because we are a member state of the EU, and the withdrawal agreement and implementation Bill will implement the agreement between the UK and the EU. That will recognise that the UK is therefore an independent country, adhering to that agreement, which the Prime Minister said should be under the same rules and regulations that we follow now.
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: International Affairs
Neil John O'Brien (Conservative, Centre-right): Like my constituents, I support Brexit, but does the Minister agree that, given that we have been in the EU for 40 years, it is essential to have an implementation period, so that we can deliver the huge prize of a smooth and orderly Brexit?
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: International Affairs
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend makes an excellent point, one that has been made by people on all sides of the referendum debate. We respect the decision made by the British people, including his constituents, and we want to make the greatest success of it. A smooth and orderly exit is the best way to achieve that.
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: International Affairs
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): I do not accept the hon. Gentleman’s allegations of a power grab. The Government have listened. We have been clear that we will bring forward amendments to clause 11 of the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill, and we are seeking legislative consent for that Bill from each of the devolved Administrations. We need to make the process succeed for every part of the United Kingdom, and we look forward to doing that for Wales, as for every other part of the UK.
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: International Affairs
Victoria Grace Ford (Conservative, Centre-right): Will the Minister confirm that from a practical point of view we should not be too worried about new EU law during the two-year transition period, because it takes more than two years for new EU laws to be put in place? Also from a practical point of view, will he confirm that we will set up working groups on important technical issues, such as data exchanges, as soon as possible?
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: International Affairs
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend makes two important points. She is broadly right about the process of making EU laws, of which she has great expertise from her time in the European Parliament. We want to make sure that the UK has the ability to express concerns when it has them and that we have good technical working between us and the EU. I assure my hon. Friend that, as the discussions move forward to focus on the future relationship, we will be doing exactly that.
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: Macroeconomics
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): I completely disagree with the hon. Lady. The Government have set out a clear strategy to deliver for the British economy through this process, and we will deliver on that strategy. I have seen time and again in votes in this House that the greatest split that exists on these issues is between Labour Back Benchers and their own Front Bench team.
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: International Affairs
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): As I set out in my answer to the urgent question, it is clear that to put in place the agreement on the future relationship, we need to have left the EU. We need to ensure that both parties are able to ratify the agreement, with the UK as an independent territory outside the EU. I agree wholeheartedly with my hon. Friend that, as article 50 itself suggests, the withdrawal agreement should have regard to the future relationship, which it will be in the interests of both parties to secure.
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: International Affairs
Paul Masterton (Conservative, Centre-right): The British people are, in the main, not ideological but practical and pragmatic. They simply want Brexit to work. Will the Minister assure me that the Government’s policy will be dictated not by fringe groups, either in this place or outside it, but by the national interest?
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: International Affairs
Edward John Comport Argar (Conservative, Centre-right): Will my hon. Friend confirm that the Lancaster House speech, coupled with the Florence speech, remains the basis of the Government’s approach to implementing Brexit and delivering the orderly and smooth Brexit to which we are committed?
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: Foreign Trade
Martin John Vickers (Conservative, Centre-right): The Minister said that, during the implementation period, we will be able to negotiate and sign trade agreements. Will he confirm that there will be no compromise on that and that it will not be added to the growing list of concessions that the Government have made?
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: Foreign Trade
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): My hon. Friend tempts me to pre-empt negotiations—as a number of colleagues have. What I say to him is clearly the position that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State set out, which is that we will be able to sign those trade agreements, but, as the Prime Minister made clear, what we do not want to do is bring into force trade agreements that would conflict with our responsibilities towards the EU during that period. We want to make sure that this is a bridge to Britain’s future as a global trading nation.
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: International Affairs
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): It is in the interests of all parts of the UK to exit the European Union with continuity, certainty and control, which is why I think it was a missed opportunity for his party not to support the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill, but I look forward to seeing that support in the other place. As I said to the hon. Member for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr (Jonathan Edwards), amendments to clause 11 of that Bill will be brought forward in the Lords.
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: Macroeconomics
Philip Thomas Hollobone (Conservative, Centre-right): Prior to the referendum, Her Majesty’s Treasury forecast near economic collapse, since when the economy has done well, with manufacturing and exports particularly strong. How can my hon. Friend assure my constituents that Her Majesty’s Treasury understands the electoral arithmetic of the referendum and will finally get with the programme?
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: Macroeconomics
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): I can assure my hon. Friend that our Department has been working closely with Her Majesty’s Treasury to ensure that we make a success of this process. He rightly points to the robust growth figures that we have seen from the UK economy. What we all need to ensure is that, throughout this process, we continue to support that economy to grow and deliver the public services that we all want to see.
Leaving the EU: Implementation — House of Commons, 2018-01-29
Topic: Energy
Robin Caspar Walker (Conservative, Centre-right): I refer the hon. Lady to the paper that we published on Euratom and the Nuclear Safeguards Bill, which the Government are bringing forward. It is not responsible to spread scare stories about radioisotopes, and the point has been clearly made a number of times that they are not restricted by the Euratom treaties.