Michael Gove makes statement on preparations for leaving the EU
8 October 2019
Michael Gove, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, makes a statement to the House of Commons on Brexit preparations.
Last week, the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson updated the House of Commons on Brexit negotiations. The Prime Minister announced his deal for withdrawal from the European Union, which is currently being considered by EU officials. He announced that he would replace the Northern Ireland backstop, the mechanism for preventing a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Michael Gove, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, told MPs:
"Our proposals to replace the backstop were published last week. I commend the Prime Minister and the Exit Secretary for the continued efforts to ensure that we can leave the EU with a withdrawal agreement in place."
"We've put forward a fair and reasonable compromise for all sides, that respects the historic referendum result and we hope that the EU will engage with us seriously."
Responding on behalf of the Opposition, Shadow Minister Keir Starmer said:
"The Prime Minister should be here. Talks with the EU are collapsing as we speak, the proposals the Government put forward last week were never going to work."
- Watch Parliament TV: Statement on preparations for leaving the EU
- Prime Minister updates the House of Commons on Brexit negotiations
Transcripts of proceedings in the House of Commons Chamber are available in Hansard online three hours after they happen.
Image: Parliamentary Copyright
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