MP's gather information about Brexit in London
What impact will Brexit, the UK's exit from the European Union, have on the Netherlands? The standing committee on European affairs want to get a clear picture of this. That is why on Monday 6 February 2017 a delegation of the committee visited London. The programme included talks with representatives from international think tanks, British parliamentarians and the Minster of State at the Department for Exiting the European Union, Mr David Jones.
Negotiations about Brexit
In London, the members of the European Affairs committee also met with representatives from the "City", London's financial heart. In these talks they looked ahead to the announced negotiations about Brexit and the consequences thereof for Great Britain, the Netherlands and Europe as a whole.
Delegation
The following MPs took part in the working visit on Monday 6 February:
• Mr Anne Mulder (VVD, leader of the delegation);
• Mr Ronald Vuijk (VVD);
• Ms Marit Maij (PvdA);
• Mr Harry van Bommel (SP);
• Mr Raymond de Roon (PVV);
• Mr Pieter Omtzigt (CDA);
• Ms Judith Swinkels (D66).
Dutch interests
The European Affairs committee wants to examine how the Dutch interests after Brexit can be promoted and what the new relation with the United Kingdom should look like. MPs Marit Maij (PvdA) and Pieter Omtzigt (CDA) have been designated rapporteurs by the committee, in order to examine the consequences of Brexit for the Netherlands. On Wednesday 1 February the committee held a roundtable on Brexit, with experts and stakeholders. The rapporteurs will incorporate the outcome of the roundtable and the working visit in their report about Brexit.
Reactions from society
In order to be able to carry out their investigation the rapporteurs called for input from society: from citizens, businesses and social organisations and institutions, both in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Scientists were also invited to share with the House their views of the expected impact of Brexit on the internal market and foreign policy. On the basis of the reactions received by the European Affairs committee, several individuals and organisations were invited to take part in the roundtable on Wednesday 1 February.