High Peak MP Robert Largan spoke out on the UK Internal Market Bill during a debate in the House of Commons last week.
The High Peak MP defended the Bill’s main purpose to protect the Union for the benefit of businesses in High Peak and across the country, including Derbyshire hill farmers, sweet manufacturing in New Mills, and limestone quarries around Buxton and Hope. The legislation also allows the UK Government to properly invest in all the nations and regions within the Union.
During his speech, Robert Largan MP said:
“I firmly believe that we must fully deliver on the 2016 referendum result and that we must take a hard-headed approach to negotiations with the EU to secure the best possible long-term trade deal. Brinksmanship and preparing for the worst are, of course, a key part of that. In my view, it is also essential that we secure that trade deal and deliver on our promises in a way that is in line with our values. Any breach of our commitments must be considered only as an absolute last resort, and even then only after considered debate, scrutiny and oversight.
“As this Bill progresses through the House, I hope that the Government will listen carefully and take the opportunity to improve on it.”
The High Peak MP also met with a number of senior Ministers to outline his concerns about the Bill including the Lord Chancellor, the Attorney General, the UK’s Deputy Chief Negotiator with the EU, the Small Business Minister and the Cabinet Office Minister.
Following the High Peak MP’s speech and the representations he made along with several other concerned colleagues, the Government announced their intentions to bring forward an amendment to the UK Internal Market Bill, that will set a clear limit on the scope and exercise of the controversial ‘notwithstanding’ powers and will require the House of Commons to vote for a motion before a Minister can use these powers.
Afterwards, Robert Largan MP commented:
“On Monday, I voted in favour of the UK Internal Market Bill at Second Reading because I support the broad principles of the Bill, which seeks to strengthen the internal market and safeguard the integrity of the United Kingdom.
“In my speech, I outlined my serious reservations about elements of the Bill, urging the Government to make improvements to the Bill before it is passed into law. We must full deliver on the 2016 Referendum result and negotiate the best trade deal possible. But we need to do so in a way that is in line with our values.”
“I am glad that the Government has listened to these concerns and, following my speech, announced their intentions to bring forward an amendment to the Bill that addresses these issues.
“I will continue to closely scrutinise the Bill and make the case for compromise. I still firmly believe that it is in the interests of all sides to reach a long term trade deal with the European Union.”
