Speeches by Carden.

“You talked about an ad hoc set-up. Isn’t it going to be like that? Isn’t that the point of leaving the European Union—that we are not going to be in this all-encompassing relationship and that we will have to do things step by step?”

“One last one from me. Charles Grant, you might want to comment on the UK Government’s strategic vision. The Government says it doesn’t have to choose between its close relationships with the United States and with the EU. Is that right?”

“Ms Gaston, do you agree?”

“Do you think that new institutions need to be created to allow that space?”

“That is quite a powerful point.”

“Do the UK Government have an overall strategic vision for the reset? If so, do you know what it is and do you have any suggestions for what it maybe should be? You can carry on, Professor Whitman.”

“Ms Gaston said that the EU expected that, with a Labour Government elected, there would be a move closer, and you are talking about new institutions. I am wondering whether there is a problem on the European side: that it still cannot accept the United Kingdom as independent from the European Union.”

“Does the Government have to choose between its relationship with the United States and with the EU?”

“Naomi Smith, has there been any polling on the public view about migration, in relation to the EU?”

“Professor Paton, how important is a labour market strategy in terms of immigration to the UK and any future deals?”

“Are those conversations happening between the UK and individual countries, or is it all at EU level?”

“Professor Menon, can I remain on the theme of people and ask: what do you think the UK Government will be seeking, through this reset, in relation to law enforcement and tackling illegal migration through Europe into the UK?”

“For the record, I am a Government trade envoy as well as a member of this Committee. Professor Paton, from what you have said so far, it takes a lot of resource from Government to go into this reset and seek closer alignment. Are you saying you would like to see Government resource put elsewhere? What else could be don…”

“I was visited by my constituent Clara, who brought this issue to my attention, and I was keen to participate in today’s debate. My hon. Friend has made two important points: one of which is that this process has no legislative basis and no public consent. I therefore hope that, when the Government listen to this debate…”

“I welcome the words of the Minister, and the UK Government’s steadfast support for Ukraine, and for further promoting European security. Will he say a little more about how he is working across Government Departments to support the efforts of civil society and businesses in the UK to ensure that, at every level, we off…”

“How many do I have?”

“Thank you, Chair. I am grateful for the Committee’s time. In the last Parliament, I was successful in securing a similar debate on maintaining contact in care settings. You will remember that during the covid pandemic many families were denied access to loved ones in social care settings, hospitals and other settings. …”

“It was due by the end of the first quarter of this year, which I think is in the next few days.”

“Finally, to what extent do you see our ambassadors, embassies and defence attachés as soft power? If you were looking at the allocation of resources, what would you be looking for?”

“It is a choice.”