Member

On Amendment 318, we do not think it appropriate to impose these requirements on a new commercial agreement. Although I am sympathetic to the desire to ensure that any agreement made as part of the backstop process or otherwise is fit for purpose, the backstop process is a last-resort power to be utilised only if an independent commercial deal cannot be agreed. Allowing this amendment would fundamentally shift the design of the backstop, making it more interventionist and interfering with its design as a last-resort option.