On Thursday, James spoke in the debate on "the EU's Mandate for Negotiating a New Partnership with the UK" in the House of Commons
He highlighted that the UK the Political Declaration agreed with the EU sets out explicitly that the basis of a future relationship is a Free Trade Agreement. The UK has set out commitments to level-playing field provisions that meet the terms of the Political Declaration. However, he underlined that as a sovereign nation the UK cannot accept the EU mandate on state aid of dynamic alignment to rules over which we have no say. He said that the EU was also seeking to maintain the provisions of the Common Fisheries Policy even after we have left the EU. He also called for a security relationship to protect all citizens.
He said now is the time for flexibility in the EU mandate not further delay as extending the transition period would simply prolong negotiations and create uncertainty. It is time to deliver on the manifesto that people in North West Norfolk and across the country supported.
The terms of an agreement that reflects the reality that the UK has left the EU are clear, reasonable, and public. He argued that now is the time to work intensively to secure a FTA that benefits citizens in the UK and the EU.
