Committee on Exiting the European Union: Formal Minutes 2016–17 1
Formal Minutes of the Committee on Exiting the European Union, 2016–17
Wednesday 2 November
Members present:
Hilary Benn, in the Chair
Alistair Burt Karl McCartney Mr Alistair Carmichael Craig Mackinlay Maria Caulfield Seema Malhotra Joanna Cherry Dominic Raab Jonathan Edwards Emma Reynolds Michael Gove Stephen Timms Andrea Jenkyns Mr John Whittingdale Jeremy Lefroy Sammy Wilson Mr Peter Lilley
1. Declarations of interests
Members disclosed their interests, in accordance with the resolution of the House of 13 July 1992. (For details of declarations of interests, see Appendix.)
2. Appointment of Sub-Committee
Ordered, That a Sub-Committee be appointed.
Ordered, That all members of the Committee be members of the Sub-Committee.
3. Committee working methods
The Committee considered this matter.
Resolved, That the Committee examine witnesses in public, except where it otherwise orders.
Resolved, That witnesses who submit written evidence to the Committee be authorised to publish it on their own account in accordance with Standing Order No. 135, subject always to the discretion of the Chair or where the Committee otherwise orders.
Resolved, That the Committee not consider individual cases.
4. Administrative arrangements
The Committee considered this matter. 2 Committee on Exiting the European Union: Minutes 2016–17
5. Committee activities and inquiries
The Committee considered this matter.
Ordered, That the correspondence between Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP and the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union be reported to the House for publication on the internet.
Resolved, That the Committee inquire into the UK’s negotiating objectives for its withdrawal from the European Union.
Resolved, That the Committee visit the Department for Exiting the European Union.
[Adjourned till Tuesday 8 November at 9.30 am
Tuesday 8 November
Members present:
Hilary Benn, in the Chair
Alistair Burt Jeremy Lefroy Mr Alistair Carmichael Karl McCartney Maria Caulfield Mr Pat McFadden Joanna Cherry Craig Mackinlay Mark Durkan Seema Malhotra Jonathan Edwards Emma Reynolds Michael Gove Stephen Timms Peter Grant Mr John Whittingdale Andrea Jenkyns Sammy Wilson
1. Declarations of interests
Mark Durkan, Peter Grant and Mr Pat McFadden disclosed their interests, in accordance with the resolution of the House of 13 July 1992. (For details of declarations of interests, see Appendix.)
2. Committee working methods
The Committee considered this matter.
3. Travel in a representative capacity
Ordered, That Seema Malhotra have leave to visit Brussels to attend the Tripartite meeting of Members of the House of Commons European Scrutiny Committee, Members of the House of Lords European Union Committee and UK MEPs in a representative capacity. Committee on Exiting the European Union: Formal Minutes 2016–17 3
Ordered, That Jonathan Edwards, Karl McCartney and Seema Malhotra have leave to visit Cardiff to attend the meeting of the European Committees of the United Kingdom in a representative capacity. [Adjourned till Wednesday 16 November at 9.00 am
4 Committee on Exiting the European Union: Minutes 2016–17
Tuesday 8 November
The Chair, Alistair Burt, Mr Alistair Carmichael, Maria Caulfield, Joanna Cherry, Mark Durkan, Jonathan Edwards, Michael Gove, Peter Grant, Andrea Jenkyns, Karl McCartney, Mr Pat McFadden, Craig Mackinlay, Seema Malhotra, Emma Reynolds, Stephen Timms, Mr John Whittingdale and Sammy Wilson visited the Department for Exiting the European Union in accordance with the Committee’s decision of 2 November.
Wednesday 16 November
Members present:
Hilary Benn, in the Chair
Alistair Burt Karl McCartney Mr Alistair Carmichael Mr Pat McFadden Joanna Cherry Craig Mackinlay Mark Durkan Seema Malhotra Jonathan Edwards Dominic Raab Michael Gove Emma Reynolds Peter Grant Stephen Timms Andrea Jenkyns Mr John Whittingdale Jeremy Lefroy Sammy Wilson Mr Peter Lilley
4. Travel in a representative capacity
Ordered, That Joanna Cherry have leave to visit Brussels to attend the Tripartite meeting of Members of the House of Commons European Scrutiny Committee, Members of the House of Lords European Union Committee and UK MEPs in a representative capacity
Ordered, That Peter Grant and Stephen Timms have leave to visit Cardiff to attend the meeting of the European Committees of the United Kingdom in a representative capacity.
5. The UK’s negotiating strategy for its exit from the EU
Resolved, That the Committee visit Boston (Lincolnshire), Aberdeen, Londonderry, Sunderland, London, Swansea, Wolverhampton and Cornwall in connection with this inquiry.
Dr Hannah White, Director of Research, Institute for Government, Sir Simon Fraser, former Permanent Under-Secretary, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and Professor Catherine Barnard, Professor of European Union Law and Jean Monnet Chair of EU Law, University of Cambridge, gave oral evidence.
Committee on Exiting the European Union: Formal Minutes 2016–17 5
[Adjourned till Wednesday 23 November at 9.00 am
Wednesday 23 November
Members present:
Hilary Benn, in the Chair
Alistair Burt Mr Peter Lilley Mr Alistair Carmichael Karl McCartney Maria Caulfield Mr Pat McFadden Joanna Cherry Craig Mackinlay Mark Durkan Seema Malhotra Jonathan Edwards Dominic Raab Michael Gove Stephen Timms Peter Grant Mr John Whittingdale Andrea Jenkyns Sammy Wilson Jeremy Lefroy
The UK’s negotiating strategy for its exit from the EU
The Committee considered this matter.
Dr Robin Niblett, Director, Chatham House, Stephen Booth, Acting Director and Director of Policy and Research, Open Europe, and Shankar Singham, Director of Economic Policy and Prosperity Studies, The Legatum Institute, gave oral evidence. [Adjourned till Wednesday 30 November at 9.00 am
Tuesday 29 November – Wednesday 30 November
Seema Malhotra visited Brussels to attend the Tripartite meeting of Members of the House of Commons European Scrutiny Committee, Members of the House of Lords European Union Committee and UK MEPs in a representative capacity, in accordance with the Committee’s decision of Tuesday 8 November.
Wednesday 30 November
Members present:
Hilary Benn, in the Chair
Alistair Burt Karl McCartney 6 Committee on Exiting the European Union: Minutes 2016–17
Maria Caulfield Mr Pat McFadden Joanna Cherry Craig Mackinlay Mark Durkan Dominic Raab Jonathan Edwards Emma Reynolds Michael Gove Stephen Timms Peter Grant Mr John Whittingdale Mr Peter Lilley Sammy Wilson
The UK’s negotiating strategy for its exit from the EU
The Committee considered this matter.
Dr Virginia Acha, Executive Director for Research, Medical & Innovation, Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry, Gary Campkin, Director for Policy and Strategy, TheCityUK, and Fergus McReynolds, Director of EU Affairs, EEF, The Manufacturers Organisation, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 7 December at 9.00 am
Monday 5 December
Jonathan Edwards, Peter Grant and Stephen Timms visited Cardiff to attend the meeting of the European Committees of the United Kingdom in a representative capacity, in accordance with the Committee’s decisions of Tuesday 8 November and Wednesday 16 November.
Wednesday 7 December
Members present:
Hilary Benn, in the Chair
Alistair Burt Mr Peter Lilley Maria Caulfield Karl McCartney Joanna Cherry Mr Pat McFadden Mark Durkan Seema Malhotra Jonathan Edwards Dominic Raab Michael Gove Emma Reynolds Peter Grant Stephen Timms Andrea Jenkyns Mr John Whittingdale Jeremy Lefroy Sammy Wilson
Committee on Exiting the European Union: Formal Minutes 2016–17 7
The UK’s negotiating strategy for its exit from the EU
The Committee considered this matter.
Resolved, That the Committee visit Dublin in connection with this inquiry.
Carolyn Fairbairn, Director General, Confederation of British Industry, John Longworth, Co-Chair, Leave Means Leave, and Frances O’Grady, General Secretary, Trades Union Congress, gave oral evidence.
In the absence of the Chair, Michael Gove was called to the Chair.
Carolyn Fairbairn, Director General, Confederation of British Industry, John Longworth, Co-Chair, Leave Means Leave, and Frances O’Grady, General Secretary, Trades Union Congress, gave oral evidence. [Adjourned till Thursday 8 December at 11.30 am
Thursday 8 December
The Chair, Joanna Cherry, Mark Durkan, Jonathan Edwards, Mr Peter Lilley, Mr Pat McFadden, Emma Reynolds and Stephen Timms visited Sunderland in accordance with the Committee’s decision of 16 November 2016.
Thursday 8 December
Members present:
Hilary Benn, in the Chair
Joanna Cherry Mr Pat McFadden Mark Durkan Emma Reynolds Jonathan Edwards Stephen Timms Mr Peter Lilley
The UK’s negotiating strategy for its exit from the EU
Richard Baker, Head of Policy and Strategy, North East Local Enterprise Partnership, John Elliott, Chair, Ebac, and representative of Business for Britain in the North East, Ross Smith, Director of Policy, North East England Combined Authority, Councillor Paul Watson, Leader, Sunderland City Council, and Chair, North East Combined Authority, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 14 December at 9.00 am 8 Committee on Exiting the European Union: Minutes 2016–17
Wednesday 14 December
Morning Sitting
Members present:
Hilary Benn, in the Chair
Alistair Burt Mr Pat McFadden Joanna Cherry Karl McCartney Mark Durkan Craig Mackinlay Jonathan Edwards Seema Malhotra Michael Gove Dominic Raab Peter Grant Emma Reynolds Andrea Jenkyns Stephen Timms Jeremy Lefroy John Whittingdale Mr Peter Lilley Mr Sammy Wilson
The UK’s negotiating strategy for its exit from the EU
The Committee considered this matter.
Ordered, That the correspondence from the Permanent Secretary at the Department for Exiting the European Union be reported to the House for publication on the internet.
Resolved, That the Committee visit Stoke-on-Trent and Brussels in connection with this inquiry.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 14 December at 1.45 pm
Afternoon Sitting
Hilary Benn, in the Chair
Alistair Burt Mr Peter Lilley Mr Alistair Carmichael Mr Pat McFadden Maria Caulfield Karl McCartney Joanna Cherry Craig Mackinlay Mark Durkan Seema Malhotra Jonathan Edwards Dominic Raab Michael Gove Emma Reynolds Peter Grant Stephen Timms Committee on Exiting the European Union: Formal Minutes 2016–17 9
Andrea Jenkyns Mr John Whittingdale Jeremy Lefroy Sammy Wilson
The UK’s negotiating strategy for its exit from the EU
The Committee considered this matter.
Rt Hon David Davis MP, Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Monday 19 December at 10.00 am
Monday 19 December
The Chair, Mr Alistair Carmichael, Joanna Cherry, Michael Gove, Peter Grant, Jeremy Lefroy, Seema Malhotra, Stephen Timms and Sammy Wilson visited Aberdeen in accordance with the Committee’s decision of 16 November 2016.
Monday 19 December
Hilary Benn, in the Chair
Mr Alistair Carmichael Jeremy Lefroy Joanna Cherry Seema Malhotra Michael Gove Stephen Timms Peter Grant Sammy Wilson
The UK’s negotiating strategy for its exit from the EU
Suzanne Burr, Business Manager, Thorpe Molloy Recruitment, Professor Michael Keating, Chair in Scottish Politics, University of Aberdeen, Deirdre Michie, Chief Executive, Oil and Gas UK, and Andrew Walker, Managing Partner, Johnston Carmichael, gave oral evidence.
Bertie Armstrong, Chief Executive Officer, Scottish Fishermen's Federation, Michael Bates, Development Officer, Scottish Seafood Association, and Andrew Scott, Chief Executive Officer, Scotrenewables, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 11 January at 9.00 am
Wednesday 11 January 10 Committee on Exiting the European Union: Minutes 2016–17
Hilary Benn, in the Chair
Alistair Burt Mr Peter Lilley Mr Alistair Carmichael Mr Pat McFadden Maria Caulfield Karl McCartney Joanna Cherry Craig Mackinlay Mark Durkan Seema Malhotra Jonathan Edwards Dominic Raab Michael Gove Emma Reynolds Peter Grant Stephen Timms Andrea Jenkyns Mr John Whittingdale Jeremy Lefroy Sammy Wilson
The UK’s negotiating strategy for its exit from the EU
Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to this inquiry be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
William Carpenter (OBJ0075) ADS Group (OBJ0093) Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board (OBJ0002) Alan Hill (OBJ0018) Alice Chapman-Hatchett (OBJ0067) Alison Gibbs (OBJ0043) *** (OBJ0014) *** (OBJ0030) *** (OBJ0044) *** (OBJ0045) *** (OBJ0050) *** (OBJ0053) Association of British Insurers (OBJ0094) Brexit Infrastructure Group (OBJ0079) Brightwake Ltd. (OBJ0065) British Screen Advisory Council (OBJ0074) Brits in Europe (OBJ0089) Campaign for the Real Referendum (OBJ0004) Clare Quarman (OBJ0027) Clive Loughlin (OBJ0007) David Doyle (OBJ0003) DKT Consultants Ltd (OBJ0026) Dr Gary Skinner (OBJ0009) Dr James Briscoe (OBJ0083) Dr Philippa Allen (OBJ0024) Dr Sophie Acton (OBJ0063) Dr Theodore Gorton (OBJ0012) Committee on Exiting the European Union: Formal Minutes 2016–17 11
Expat Citizen Rights in EU (ECREU) (OBJ0091) Frontline Business Consulting Ltd (OBJ0060) Greater London Authority (OBJ0090) Greener UK (OBJ0095) Hanzo Archives Limited (OBJ0080) HM Government of Gibraltar (OBJ0082) Institute for Particle Physics Phenomenology (OBJ0070) Institute of Export & International Trade (OBJ0087) John Frake (OBJ0021) John Lee Daniel Thompson (OBJ0025) Kenneth Bardsley (OBJ0028) Martin Cahn (OBJ0008) Matthew Traves (OBJ0046) MillionPlus (OBJ0005) Mr Anthony Tuffin (OBJ0042) Mr Barry White (OBJ0047) Mr Edward Avis (OBJ0073) Mr Gary Rimmer (OBJ0032) Mr Jason Hunter (OBJ0058) Mr John Coats (OBJ0051) Mr Lawrence Gould (OBJ0057) Mr Lorenzo Colo (OBJ0071) Mr Martin Houston (OBJ0015) Mr Michael James Clifton (OBJ0078) Mr Michael Meehan (OBJ0013) Mr Nick Valentine (OBJ0068) Mr Paul Bailey (OBJ0037) Mr Peter Sturdgess (OBJ0010) Mr Richard Szmidt (OBJ0055) Mr Ryan Curtis (OBJ0029) Mr SHR Redburn (OBJ0056) Mr Stephen Noreiko (OBJ0020) Mr Steve Cheney (OBJ0006) Mr Thibault Jamme (OBJ0031) Mr Thomas Cole (OBJ0077) Mrs Elizabeth Roberts (OBJ0034) Mrs Jenefer Ford-Knubley (OBJ0049) Mrs Valerie Chaplin (OBJ0019) Ms Alison Giraud-Saunders (OBJ0064) Ms Angela Steatham (OBJ0011) Ms Elizabeth Smith (OBJ0054) Ms Emma Telford (OBJ0041) Ms Keziah Mee (OBJ0059) Ms Polly Ernest (OBJ0038) Professor and FRS Michael Lockwwod (OBJ0022) 12 Committee on Exiting the European Union: Minutes 2016–17
Professor Derrick Wyatt (OBJ0086) Professor Louise Locock (OBJ0040) Professor, QC Derrick Wyatt (OBJ0084) Research Councils UK (OBJ0092) Richard Bronk (OBJ0048) Roger Fuller (OBJ0066) Royal College of Physicians (OBJ0001) Royal Society of Chemistry (OBJ0097) Sara Challoner (OBJ0023) Simon Ferrigno (OBJ0052) Stehen McCann (OBJ0016) Stephanie Cunningham (OBJ0072) Sue Craig (OBJ0017) Suzanne Taylor (OBJ0061) Tate & Lyle Sugars Ltd (OBJ0088) Tyndall Centre (University of East Anglia) (OBJ0085)
Draft Report (The process for exiting the European Union and the Government’s negotiating objectives), proposed by the Chair, brought up and read.
The draft Report was agreed to; the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published with the First Report of the Committee, HC 815. [Adjourned till Wednesday 18 January at 9.00 am Committee on Exiting the European Union: Formal Minutes 2016–17 13
Wednesday 18 January
Hilary Benn, in the Chair
Mr Alistair Carmichael Mr Peter Lilley Maria Caulfield Mr Pat McFadden Joanna Cherry Karl McCartney Mark Durkan Stephen Timms Jonathan Edwards Mr John Whittingdale Peter Grant Sammy Wilson Jeremy Lefroy
The UK’s negotiating strategy for its exit from the EU
The Committee considered this matter.
Nicolas Hatton, Founding Co-chair and Anne-Laure Donskoy, Co-chair, the 3million, Barbara Drozdowicz, Chief Executive Officer, and Florina Tudose, Information and Outreach Coordinator, East European Resource Centre, gave oral evidence.
Debbie Williams, Gareth Horsfall, Sue Wilson, and Christopher Chantrey, UK citizens living in other EU countries, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 25 January at 9.00 am
Thursday 19 January
The Chair, Alistair Burt, Peter Grant, Mr Pat McFadden, Emma Reynolds and Mr John Whittingdale visited Wolverhampton and Stoke-on-Trent in accordance with the Committee’s decisions of 16 November and 14 December 2016.
Wednesday 25 January
Hilary Benn, in the Chair
Alistair Burt Karl McCartney Maria Caulfield Craig Mackinlay Joanna Cherry Seema Malhotra Mark Durkan Emma Reynolds Michael Gove Stephen Timms Peter Grant Mr John Whittingdale Jeremy Lefroy Sammy Wilson
14 Committee on Exiting the European Union: Minutes 2016–17
The UK’s negotiating strategy for its exit from the EU
The Committee considered this matter.
The Hon Fabian Picardo MP, Chief Minister, The Hon Dr Joseph Garcia MP, Deputy Chief Minister, and Michael Llamas QC, Attorney General, HM Government of Gibraltar, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 1 February at 9.00 am
Thursday 26 January
The Chair, Alistair Burt, Jeremy Lefroy, Mr Peter Lilley, Seema Malhotra, Mr Pat McFadden, Emma Reynolds, Stephen Timms and Mr John Whittingdale visited London in accordance with the Committee’s decision of 16 November 2016.
Wednesday 1 February
Hilary Benn, in the Chair
Joanna Cherry Karl McCartney Mark Durkan Mr Pat McFadden Michael Gove Craig Mackinlay Peter Grant Seema Malhotra Andrea Jenkyns Emma Reynolds Jeremy Lefroy Stephen Timms Mr Peter Lilley Sammy Wilson
The UK’s negotiating strategy for its exit from the EU
The Committee considered this matter.
David Goodhart, Head of the Demography, Immigration, and Integration Unit, Policy Exchange, Sunder Katwala, Director, British Future, and Jonathan Portes, Professor of Economics and Public Policy, King's College London, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 8 February at 9.00 am
Thursday 2 February Committee on Exiting the European Union: Formal Minutes 2016–17 15
The Chair, Alistair Burt, Peter Grant, Jeremy Lefroy, Karl McCartney, Mr Pat McFadden, and Stephen Timms visited Boston (Lincolnshire) in accordance with the Committee’s decision of 16 November 2016.
Wednesday 8 February
Hilary Benn, in the Chair
Alistair Burt Mr Peter Lilley Maria Caulfield Karl McCartney Joanna Cherry Mr Pat McFadden Mark Durkan Seema Malhotra Jonathan Edwards Dominic Raab Michael Gove Stephen Timms Peter Grant Mr John Whittingdale Andrea Jenkyns Sammy Wilson Jeremy Lefroy
The UK’s negotiating strategy for its exit from the EU
Resolved, That the Sub-Committee visit Cornwall in connection with this inquiry.
Michael Clancy, Director Law Reform, Law Society of Scotland, Professor Nicola McEwen, Professor of Politics, University of Edinburgh, and Professor Alan Page, Professor of Public Law, University of Dundee, gave oral evidence.
Michael Russell MSP, Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland's Place in Europe, Scottish Government, Ian Mitchell, Deputy Director External Affairs, Scottish Government, and George Burgess, Deputy Director for EU and International Trade and Investment Policy, Scottish Government, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Tuesday 21 February at 9.30 am
Thursday 9 February
The Chair, Alistair Burt and Mr John Whittingdale visited Cornwall in accordance with the Committee’s decisions of 16 November 2016 and 8 February 2017.
Tuesday 21 February
Hilary Benn, in the Chair 16 Committee on Exiting the European Union: Minutes 2016–17
Alistair Burt Jeremy Lefroy Maria Caulfield Karl McCartney Mark Durkan Mr Pat McFadden Jonathan Edwards Craig Mackinley Michael Gove Dominic Raab Peter Grant Emma Reynolds
The UK’s negotiating strategy for its exit from the EU
Ordered, That the written evidence relating to this inquiry submitted by UK Trade Policy Observatory (OBJ0149) be reported to the House for publication on the internet.
Roderick Abbott, former Deputy Director-General, The World Trade Organization and European Commission Directorate-General for Trade, Dr Federico Ortino, The Dickson Poon School of Law, King's College London, and Professor Jim Rollo, UK Trade Policy Observatory, University of Sussex, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 22 February at 9.00 am
Wednesday 22 February
Members present:
Hilary Benn, in the Chair
Alistair Burt Mr Pat McFadden Mr Alistair Carmichael Craig Mackinlay Joanna Cherry Seema Malhotra Jonathan Edwards Dominic Raab Michael Gove Emma Reynolds Peter Grant Stephen Timms Andrea Jenkyns Mr John Whittingdale Mr Peter Lilley Sammy Wilson Karl McCartney
The UK’s negotiating strategy for its exit from the EU
The Committee considered this matter.
Sir Ivan Rogers, former United Kingdom Permanent Representative to the European Union, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Tuesday 28 February at 9.30 am Committee on Exiting the European Union: Formal Minutes 2016–17 17
Thursday 23 February
The Chair, Alistair Burt, Maria Caulfield, Joanna Cherry, Mark Durkan, Jonathan Edwards, Jeremy Lefroy, Karl McCartney, Seema Malhotra and Mr Pat McFadden visited Dublin in accordance with the Committee’s decision of 7 December 2016.
Tuesday 28 February
Members present:
Hilary Benn, in the Chair
Alistair Burt Karl McCartney Mr Alistair Carmichael Mr Pat McFadden Joanna Cherry Craig Mackinlay Jonathan Edwards Dominic Raab Michael Gove Stephen Timms Mr Peter Lilley
The UK’s negotiating strategy for its exit from the EU
The Committee considered this matter.
Professor Steven Peers, University of Essex, David Anderson QC, Independent review of terrorism legislations, and David Armond, Deputy Director General, National Crime Agency, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 1 March at 9.00 am
Wednesday 1 March
Members present:
Hilary Benn, in the Chair
Alistair Burt Andrea Jenkyns Mr Alistair Carmichael Mr Peter Lilley Maria Caulfield Karl McCartney Joanna Cherry Mr Pat McFadden Mark Durkan Seema Malhotra Jonathan Edwards Dominic Raab 18 Committee on Exiting the European Union: Minutes 2016–17
Michael Gove Emma Reynolds Peter Grant Stephen Timms
The UK’s negotiating strategy for its exit from the EU
Resolved, That the Sub-Committee visit Swansea in connection with this inquiry.
Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to this inquiry be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (OBJ0098) Unite the Union (OBJ0099) The Law Society (OBJ0100) UCL (OBJ0101) UK Independence Party (OBJ0102) British Medical Association (OBJ0103) Mr Titus Alexander (OBJ0104) Airport Operators Association (OBJ0105) Mr Fawzi Ibrahim (OBJ0106) NFU Scotland (OBJ0107) Larkfleet Homes (OBJ0108) UK Interactive Entertainment (OBJ0109) The Investment Association (OBJ0110) The British Academy (OBJ0111) Royal College of Nursing (OBJ0112) CPMR North Sea Commission (OBJ0113) Which? (OBJ0114) Federation of Entertainment Unions (OBJ0115) Mrs Susan Wilson (OBJ0117) Dr Sylvia de Mars (OBJ0119) British Heart Foundation (OBJ0120) Mrs Ann Rattle (OBJ0121) Dr Moncia Threlfall (OBJ0122) Mrs Anne Wessemann (OBJ0123) Remain in France Together (OBJ0124) New Europeans (OBJ0125) International Consortium of British Pensioners (OBJ0126) Mr Rabie Abdel Samad (OBJ0127) Later Life Ambitions (OBJ0128) CBI (OBJ0129) UKHCA (OBJ0130) Aila Baron (OBJ0131) Committee on Exiting the European Union: Formal Minutes 2016–17 19
Sabine Klapdohr (OBJ0132) the3million (OBJ0135) Brits in Europe (OBJ0136) Free Movement Policy Team (OBJ0137) All-Party Parliamentary Manufacturing Group (OBJ0138) The Academy of Medical Sciences (OBJ0139) UK CEE Mediation Consultancy (OBJ0140) Fair Deal for Expats (OBJ0141) Open Britain (OBJ0142) Law Society of Scotland (OBJ0143) Monique Hawkins (OBJ0144) Anonymous (OBJ0146) the3million (OBJ0148) Age Platform Europe UK (OBJ0150) DBA – The Barge Association (OBJ0151) British Hospitality Association (OBJ0152) Alan Gillman (OBJ0153) Commercial Broadcasters Association (OBJ0154) Mr Paul Narraway (OBJ0155) Dr David W Lawlor (OBJ0157) Eamonn Phillipson (OBJ0158)
Draft Report (The Government’s negotiating objectives: the rights of UK and EU citizens), proposed by the Chair, brought up and read.
The draft Report was agreed to; the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published with the Second Report of the Committee, HC 1071.
[Adjourned till Tuesday 7 March at 9.30 am
Thursday 2 March
The Chair, Alistair Burt, Jonathan Edwards, Peter Grant and Stephen Timms visited Swansea in accordance with the Committee’s decisions of 16 November 2016 and 1 March 2017.
Tuesday 7 March
Members present:
Hilary Benn, in the Chair 20 Committee on Exiting the European Union: Minutes 2016–17
Maria Caulfield Mr Pat McFadden Joanna Cherry Craig Mackinlay Mark Durkan Seema Malhotra Jonathan Edwards Emma Reynolds Peter Grant Stephen Timms Jeremy Lefroy Mr John Whittingdale Karl McCartney Sammy Wilson
The UK’s negotiating strategy for its exit from the EU
The Committee considered this matter.
Mark Drakeford AM, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, National Assembly for Wales, and Piers Bisson, Deputy Director, European Transition, Welsh Government, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Tuesday 14 March at 9.30 am
Tuesday 14 March
Members present:
Hilary Benn, in the Chair
Alistair Burt Mr Pat McFadden Mark Durkan Craig Mackinlay Jonathan Edwards Seema Malhotra Michael Gove Emma Reynolds Peter Grant Stephen Timms Jeremy Lefroy Mr John Whittingdale Mr Peter Lilley Sammy Wilson Karl McCartney
The UK’s negotiating strategy for its exit from the EU
The Committee considered this matter.
Rt Hon Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 15 March at 9.00 am
Wednesday 15 March Committee on Exiting the European Union: Formal Minutes 2016–17 21
Members present:
Hilary Benn, in the Chair
Alistair Burt Karl McCartney Mr Alistair Carmichael Mr Pat McFadden Maria Caulfield Craig Mackinlay Joanna Cherry Seema Malhotra Mark Durkan Dominic Raab Jonathan Edwards Emma Reynolds Michael Gove Stephen Timms Peter Grant Mr John Whittingdale Jeremy Lefroy Sammy Wilson Mr Peter Lilley
The UK’s negotiating strategy for its exit from the EU
Draft Special Report (The process for exiting the European Union and the Government’s negotiating objectives: Government Response to the Committee’s First Report of Session 2016- 17), proposed by the Chair, brought up, read the first and second time, and agreed to.
The Government’s response to the First Report from the Committee was appended to the Report.
Resolved, That the Report, be the First Special Report of the Committee to the House.
Ordered, That the Chair make the Report to the House.
Rt Hon David Davis MP, Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, and Olly Robbins, Permanent Secretary, Department for Exiting the European Union, gave oral evidence.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 22 March at 9.00 am
Wednesday 15 March
Members present:
Hilary Benn, in the Chair
Alistair Burt Karl McCartney Mr Alistair Carmichael Mr Pat McFadden Maria Caulfield Craig Mackinlay Joanna Cherry Seema Malhotra 22 Committee on Exiting the European Union: Minutes 2016–17
Mark Durkan Dominic Raab Jonathan Edwards Emma Reynolds Michael Gove Stephen Timms Peter Grant Mr John Whittingdale Jeremy Lefroy Sammy Wilson Mr Peter Lilley
1. The UK’s negotiating strategy for its exit from the EU
The Committee considered this matter.
2. Committee activities and inquiries
The Committee considered this matter.
Resolved, That the Committee inquire into the progress of the negotiations.
Resolved, That the Committee inquire into the White Paper on the “Great Repeal Bill”.
Resolved, That the Committee visit Southampton, Cambridge, Manchester and Leeds in connection with its inquiry into the progress of the negotiations. Resolved, That the Committee visit Brussels and Berlin in connection with its inquiry into the progress of the negotiations.
[Adjourned till Tuesday 28 March at 9.00 am
Tuesday 28 March
Members present:
Hilary Benn, in the Chair
Alistair Burt Karl McCartney Mr Alistair Carmichael Mr Pat McFadden Maria Caulfield Craig Mackinlay Joanna Cherry Seema Malhotra Mark Durkan Dominic Raab Jonathan Edwards Stephen Timms Peter Grant Mr John Whittingdale Jeremy Lefroy Sammy Wilson
The UK’s negotiating strategy for its exit from the EU
The Committee considered this matter.
[Adjourned till Tuesday 28 March at 2.00 pm Committee on Exiting the European Union: Formal Minutes 2016–17 23
Tuesday 28 March
Members present:
Hilary Benn, in the Chair
Alistair Burt Jeremy Lefroy Joanna Cherry Mr Pat McFadden Mark Durkan Seema Malhotra Jonathan Edwards Stephen Timms Peter Grant
The UK’s negotiating strategy for its exit from the EU
The Committee considered this matter.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 29 March at 10.00 am
Wednesday 29 March
Members present:
Hilary Benn, in the Chair
Alistair Burt Karl McCartney Mr Alistair Carmichael Mr Pat McFadden Maria Caulfield Craig Mackinlay Joanna Cherry Seema Malhotra Mark Durkan Dominic Raab Jonathan Edwards Stephen Timms Peter Grant Mr John Whittingdale Jeremy Lefroy Sammy Wilson
The UK’s negotiating strategy for its exit from the EU
Ordered, That the following written evidence relating to this inquiry be reported to the House for publication on the internet:
Airlines UK (OBJ0161) British Ceramic Confederation (OBJ0164) British Summer Fruits Ltd (OBJ0159) BritishAmerican Business (OBJ0162) CITB (OBJ0168) 24 Committee on Exiting the European Union: Minutes 2016–17
Confederation of British Industry (OBJ0172) Endocrine Society (OBJ0163) Government of Anguilla (OBJ0173) Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (OBJ0167) Mr Oliver Rowland (OBJ0160) TheCityUK (OBJ0171) Valpak Limited (OBJ0170)
Draft Report (The Government’s negotiating objectives: the White Paper), proposed by the Chair, brought up and read.
The draft Report was agreed to; the Formal Minutes relating to the consideration of the Report are published with the Third Report of the Committee, HC 1125.
[Adjourned till Wednesday 19 April at 9.30 am
Wednesday 19 April
Members present:
Hilary Benn, in the Chair
Alistair Burt Karl McCartney Joanna Cherry Mr Pat McFadden Mark Durkan Craig Mackinlay Jonathan Edwards Dominic Raab Michael Gove Stephen Timms Peter Grant Mr John Whittingdale Mr Peter Lilley Sammy Wilson
The UK’s negotiating strategy for its exit from the EU
Ordered, That the exchange of correspondence between the Chair and the Home Office, the Department for Work and Pensions, the Department of Health, and HM Revenue and Customs, dated 2, 8, 15 and 17 February and 1 March, regarding the rights of UK and EU citizens, be reported to the House for publication on the internet.
Ordered, That a letter from the Secretary of State dated 28 March, regarding Supplementary Estimates laid by the Department for Exiting the European Union, be reported to the House for publication on the internet. Committee on Exiting the European Union: Formal Minutes 2016–17 25
Ordered, That a letter from Mark Drakeford AM, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, Welsh Government, dated 22 March, regarding the Welsh Government’s consideration of migration models of different countries, be reported to the House for publication on the internet.
Ordered, That a letter from the Secretary of State dated 20 March, regarding the Belfast Agreement and the future UK-EU relationship, be reported to the House for publication on the internet.
The progress of negotiations
Henry Newman, Director, Open Europe, Professor Iain Begg, European Institute, London School of Economics, Sir Philip Lowe, and Zsolt Darvas, Bruegel, gave oral evidence.
[The Committee adjourned.
26 Committee on Exiting the European Union: Minutes 2016–17
APPENDIX: DECLARATION OF MEMBERS’ INTERESTS
2 November 2016: Declaration of Members’ interests
Interests declared in addition to those registered by members of the Committee in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests as at 17 October 2016.
Hilary Benn: Member of Unite
Joanna Cherry: Member of Lawyers for Yes Member of the Faculty of Advocates
Michael Gove: Family supporter of Change Britain I have been asked to lead a separate policy commission with Lord Glasman, initially on future immigration policy.
Jeremy Lefroy: Board member, Innovative Vector Control Consortium, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
Peter Lilley: I have a house in France.
Craig Mackinlay: Founder member of Conservatives for Britain Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales Member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation
Seema Malhotra: Member of Unite
Dominic Raab: Involvement as a ‘founding supporter’ of Change Britain, a campaign group focused on delivering Brexit. Membership of the ‘political advisory board’ of Leave Means Leave, a campaign group. Committee on Exiting the European Union: Formal Minutes 2016–17 27
Neither are paid positions. Emma Reynolds: Member of GMB Member of the Co-operative Party
Stephen Timms: Member of Unite
8 November 2016: Declaration of Members’ interests
Interests declared in addition to those registered by members of the Committee in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests as at 17 October 2016.
Mr Pat McFadden: Member of Community trade union Co-chair, All Party Parliamentary Group on the UK and Europe