UK Parliament / Open data

European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill

No, we have had a full debate. The Minister says that an undertaking has been given on proposed subsections (1) to (3) and therefore that this amendment is not needed. On a matter of this importance, an undertaking is no substitute for a commitment in legislation. On proposed subsection (4), it surely must be for Parliament, not Ministers, to decide whether we leave on no terms or on the terms that have been offered.

The Minister repeated that the approval of both Houses of Parliament will be needed and in no part of the argument advanced by the Minister in his winding-up speech did he express any concern about the primacy of the House of Commons not being recognised by this amendment. If the Government do believe that that is a problem—and if we pass this amendment—the Government will be perfectly able to put a revised amendment before the other place next week.

Your Lordships have heard the arguments. It is now time to test the opinion of the House.

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
779 c1299 
Session
2016-17
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
Subjects
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