UK Parliament / Open data

Trade Bill

Proceeding contribution from Lord Bilimoria (Crossbench) in the House of Lords on Wednesday, 6 March 2019. It occurred during Debate on bills on Trade Bill.

My Lords, at the heart of this is Parliament taking control. What has been a problem for the past two and two-third years is that the Executive

have continually tried to bypass and bully Parliament, whether with Article 50 or the statutory instruments that are going through now. This is really frightening. I am sorry to say to the noble Lords, Lord Lansley and Lord Hannay, and the noble Viscount, Lord Hailsham, but there is a big difference between Australia and New Zealand, and, for example, the United States of America. Not only does that country undertake a meaningful public consultation before negotiating, but it releases all the negotiating text to a large representative panel and subjects the deals to an affirmative vote by Congress, which is also entitled to amend deals unless it waives its right. That is Parliament having a say. That is transparency. The European Union, with its mostly mixed agreements, needs ratification by member states. It is crucial that we accept these amendments, to make sure, in the words of the Brexiteers, that we take back control.

7.15 pm

About this proceeding contribution

Reference

796 cc670-1 

Session

2017-19

Chamber / Committee

House of Lords chamber

Legislation

Trade Bill 2017-19
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