Affordable Broadband In Aberavon

07 Sep 2018

At questions to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, I called on the Government to tackle the cost of superfast broadband, for many the cost is prohibitive. Stephen Kinnock: Thanks to the Welsh Government in Cardiff, the infrastructure is in place for the majority of my constituents to have superfast…

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Committee For Exiting the European Union Hears From Michel Barnier

07 Sep 2018

The Committee for Exiting the European Union visited Brussels after the summer recess and heard from Michel Barnier, Chief Negotiator, European Commission. I asked him about the Chequers proposal. Stephen Kinnock (Translation): Thank you, Mr Barnier. I wanted to ask you the following question. There is a big divide between the…

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Chequers Proposal Is Completely And Utterly Dead In The Water, What Is Plan B?

05 Sep 2018

Barnier has ruled out May’s Chequers plan and Rabb should be ruling out a Canada-style deal which would have no solution to Irish border, & nothing on services – our biggest asset, but he failed to do so here. The only way forward is a unifying EEA-based Brexit. My question…

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Committee For Exiting The European Union Hears From Permanent Secretary, Department for Exiting the EU

04 Sep 2018

In a meeting of the Committee for Exiting the European Union, I asked the Head of UK Governance Group and Permanent Secretary, Department for Exiting the European Union, about the Salzburg Summit, how prepared DExEU is for the range of different scenarios that could come out of the Brexit vote,…

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Committee For Exiting the European Union Hears Evidence About The Services Sector

24 Jul 2018

The Committee for Exiting the European Union heard evidence from the Association of British Insurers, the City of London Corporation, and the Commercial Broadcasters Association on the implications of the UK’s departure from the EU for the British services sector. I asked them about what an EEA based Brexit would…

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Will Brexit Secretary Give A Guarantee To Produce An Impact Assessment On Brexit Deal?

24 Jul 2018

I asked the Brexit Secretary to guarantee that he’ll produce an impact assessment on the government’s Brexit deal well in advance of the crucial vote in the autumn, so that MPs can make an informed decision. Let’s see if he manages it. Stephen Kinnock: The Government have promised that the House…

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Dominic Raab Appears Before The Committee For Exiting The European Union

24 Jul 2018

Dominic Raab appeared before the Committee For Exiting The European Union. I asked him about Vote Leave donations and called him out on the many worrying comments he has made over the years about our rights and protections. Stephen Kinnock: Thank you, Chair, and thank you, gentlemen. You have been…

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Vote Leave Donation

19 Jul 2018

I asked Dominic Raab to explain what he knew about the illegal donation made by Vote Leave to BeLeave. It’s vital the man who’s supposed to be batting for Britain in Brussels projects integrity, authority & credibility. He has to clear name before first meeting with Barnier. Stephen Kinnock: I thank…

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Is Chequers Absolutely Dead In The Water?

19 Jul 2018

During the debate over the future relationship between the UK and EU I challenged the Government benches over whether the Chequers deal is absolutely dead in the water. Stephen Kinnock: The hon. Gentleman is being very generous in giving way. Will he confirm that he is in effect saying that Chequers…

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Letter To The Speaker On Vote Leave

19 Jul 2018

I sent a letter from 45 MPs to the Speaker Committee on the Electoral Commission, calling for reforms that would help to restore trust in our democracy, and bring this analogue regulator into the digital age. You can read the letter below:

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Why Does The Prime Minister Keep Dancing To The Tune Of The European Research Group?

17 Jul 2018

The Prime Minister came to the House to answer questions on the NATO Summit, I asked her why she keeps dancing to the Brexiteers tune. The ink is barely dry on her Chequers deal, but she’s killing it by capitulating to the likes of Rees-Mogg. Stephen Kinnock: The Prime Minister…

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Caroline Noakes MP Appears In Front Of Committee For Exiting The European Union

13 Jul 2018

The Minister of State for Immigration, Caroline Noakes MP, appeared before the Committee for Exiting the EU. I was able to ask her about immigration post Brexit and the Independent Monitoring Authority. The Government is obliged to create an Independent Monitoring Authority (IMA) to resolve post-Brexit disputes about status of…

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Committee for Exiting the EU Hears Evidence On The Progress Of UK’s Negotiations

12 Jul 2018

The Committee for Exiting the EU heard evidence from Allie Renison, Head of Europe and Trade Policy, Institute of Directors; Henry Newman, Director, Open Europe; and Michael Dougan, Professor of European Law and Jean Monnet Chair in EU Law, University of Liverpool. I asked about the withdrawal agreement and being ready…

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Chequers Proposal Is A Bureaucratic Nightmare That’s Riddled With Complexity And Ambiguity

10 Jul 2018

The Chequers proposal is a bureaucratic nightmare that’s riddled with complexity and ambiguity. Surely the Prime Minister must now stop trying to re-invent the wheel, and commit instead to an EEA-based Brexit? My question to her in the House: Stephen Kinnock: Contrary to what the Prime Minister has repeatedly told…

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Steel Summit: Closure Of The Blast Furnace & Coke Ovens Was An Act Of Industrial Vandalism

10 Jul 2018

During a Westminster Hall debate, secured by my colleague Anna Turley, I called the closure of the blast and coke ovens in Redcar an action of industrial vandalism which led to the loss of a strategic asset for our country. Stephen Kinnock: On the point my hon. Friend has made…

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Steel Summit: Steel 2020 Contains A Detailed Road Map On What Can Be Done

10 Jul 2018

The British steel industry is hobbled by punitive energy costs (far higher than in Germany, France & Netherlands). In January 2017 the all party group on Steel produced ‘Steel 2020‘, with recommendations on how to reduce costs. Claire Perry promised she’ll read it. Looking forward to her feedback! Stephen Kinnock: I…

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Demolition Of Khan Al-Ahmar

04 Jul 2018

It is devastating to see destruction of Khan Al-ahmar. Two years ago I visited and met many wonderful people doing their best to live in peace. It is time to recognise Palestine and to impose sanctions and cease all trade with the illegally occupied territories. I called on the Government…

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Contaminated Blood Inquiry

02 Jul 2018

This appalling contaminated blood scandal has blighted the lives of many, including some of my constituents. That the inquiry is finally getting underway is very good news, although it has taken us far too long to get here. Vital now that the Government co-operates fully with the inquiry. Stephen Kinnock: The…

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This Is Not Project Fear, This Is Happening Right Here, Right Now

02 Jul 2018

“This is not Project Fear, this is happening right here, right now.” My question to the Prime Minister, highlighting massive drop in investment in automotive, plummeting FDI, and urging her to commit to an EEA-based Brexit Stephen Kinnock: According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, investment in new models,…

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Committee For Exiting The European Union Hears From Guy Verhofstadt

30 Jun 2018

Guy Verhofstadt, chief Brexit representative for the European parliament, appeared before the Committee for Exiting the European Union. I asked him about the Irish border, and EEA and EFTA. Stephen Kinnock: The British media today is reporting the draft conclusions of the 29 June European Council summit, where the European…

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Leaving the EU: Parliamentary Scrutiny

28 Jun 2018

There is a real risk that MPs are forced to vote on a ‘motherhood and apple pie’ Brexit bill this October, with loose wording that means very little, and so forces us to gamble on our government’s competence. Would require a huge leap of faith! Stephen Kinnock: I congratulate my right…

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