York's MPs back Brexit deal
The Government's bill is being debated in Parliament this afternoon.
York's MPs have been outlining their reasons for supporting the Government's trade deal with the European Union.
York Outer Conservative MP Julian Sturdy says he will "happily vote in favour" of the bill: "This sensible agreement draws a line under more than 4 years of debate and division in our society, and lays the foundations of a far more positive and healthy relationship with the Continent than the one we previously enjoyed as a reluctant member state, outside the Euro and fundamentally unhappy with the undemocratic EU drive towards ‘ever closer union’.
"Throughout this process since June 2016, I have always been clear that the government had to 100% deliver on the referendum’s instruction to leave, while protecting our economy, ensuring the best opportunities for the next generation, and maintaining a close partnership with Europe to respect the fact nearly half the country voted to remain. I am satisfied that this is what the deal provides.
"As the largest trade agreement either the EU or our country has ever signed, and the first trade deal based on zero tariffs and quotas the EU has ever agreed to, this is a genuinely historic achievement, and the government’s negotiating team deserve huge congratulations
"We now have the opportunity to be both a European and a more global country, something a confident, creative city like York should take in its stride. Amidst the gloom of coronavirus, trade-driven prosperity and international collaboration are essential to getting us back to normality, and this deal is an important step on that road, while ensuring we remain in control of our own destiny.”
York Central Labour MP Rachael Maskell is also voting with the Government, but says the deal 'is not' a good deal: "80% of the economy will not be covered by the Agreement, as financial services and other jobs in the service sector were not given the access into the EU market at they were promised. While there is tariff-free access for goods, there are considerable new measures that need to be taken at custom borders creating the friction that should have been avoided. With more divergence from the EU customs and market arrangements, the friction and cost increases.
"Much else has been missing from the arrangements including access to vital security databases, the Schengen Information System, and EU programmes like the Erasmus scheme which enables students to study in the EU. For people who work, cross-border, including people who work in the music industry, the Prime Minister failed to provide them with a visa passport, resulting in more barriers to be faced.
"The deal is not a good deal, but it is better than a ‘no deal’ scenario. The implementation Bill, being debated in Parliament today, is short and technical. Short, because so little was negotiated and technical to ensure security and border arrangements are in place before the end of the year. The Agreement itself is not being voted on, despite the hype that has been built around this.
“I will be voting for the European Union (Future Relationships) Bill, as it puts in measures to prevent a ‘no deal’ scenario and provides some protection to our national security. I will never play politics with the nation’s security or people’s jobs and livelihoods, however I am clear that this is a very poor deal, with so much missing. The arrangements set up a framework for future negotiations, and my focus will now move to ensuring that we build a new, strong relationship with our neighbours and friends.”
Boris Johnson's urged MPs to support his trade deal with the EU, saying it will protect jobs and provide certainty for businesses.
Ministers are scrutinising the agreement ahead of a crucial Commons vote later.