Top 15 Michael Fallon Quotes

[It is] very important that we take those who voted Remain - and nearly half the country voted Remain - we do try and take them with us.

[Sacking rebels] sends the wrong message to Remainers

We need some alternative arrangements for Northern Ireland - some of that technology is already in place - we need the right to exit the backstop if the negotiations fail, we need some improvements to the political declaration. These aren't the biggest things, but what they do require is some optimism and ambition and above all some energy. We will have a fresh team, a fresh prime minister and there is no reason at all why this can't be done in the next three months.

[No deal is the] ultimate fall back [and needs to be prepared for] so that our partners are convinced that this is a deadly serious negotiation

The talks are clearly not going anywhere. If they are going to include permanent membership of a customs union then frankly we would be better off staying in the EU then we would have a voice in the trade arrangements that are being negotiated. We can't say we are leaving the EU then half stay in it.

All those involved should be investigated now to find out who this leaker is. Ministers are subject to the Official Secrets Act just like anybody else. It is an offence to divulge secret information from the most secret of all government bodies, which is the National Security Council. It has got to be stopped.

My fear is that this deal gives us the worst of all worlds.

This is not a good deal and we need a better deal

In recent days allegations have been made about MPs’ conduct, including my own.
Many of these have been false but I realise that in the past I have fallen below the high standards that we require of the armed forces which I have the privilege to represent. I have therefore reflected on my position in government and I am resigning as defence secretary.

Equally we have to make sure that British companies are also prepared to train up British workers. The public are very clear, they want to see immigration not stopped but brought properly under control.

The public voted to leave the European Union. That means freedom of movement has to end.

I think everybody wants to see an agreement in the end that does respect what the British people voted for last year - makes sure that our cooperation with Europe continues, our trade with Europe continues, our security cooperation with Europe continues.

[<nowiki/>Gibraltar residents] made it very clear they do not want to live under Spanish rule

We do not give operational details of the demonstration and shake-down operation of one of our submarines conducting a test with one of our Trident missiles

I can assure the House that the capability and effectiveness of the United Kingdom's independent nuclear deterrent is not in doubt. The government has absolute confidence in our deterrent and in the Royal Navy.