Norman Lamb

Norman Lamb

Sir Norman Peter Lamb (born 16 September 1957) is a British politician and solicitor. He was the Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament (MP) for North Norfolk from 2001 to 2019, and was the chair of the Science and Technology Select Committee from 2017 to 2019.

Quotes

2016

• [A UK Statistics Authority statement saying that claims that leaving the European Union could save Britain £350m a week are potentially misleading is] a damning indictment of the Leave campaign and yet another example of their desperate attempts to mislead people in this referendum campaign.
  • Vote Leave's £350m claim potentially misleading, says statistics chief BBC News (21 April 2016)

• I am frequently frustrated by the EU and will always argue the case for reform to make it more decentralised and more accountable, but when it comes to a decision about being in or out I am clear that we have to be in, making the case for reform rather than walking away.
  • Is your MP for Brexit? Three MPs from Norfolk, Suffolk and the Fens want to leave Eastern Daily Press (22 February 2016)

2017

• It would be ludicrous if the government, in what appears to be a zealous fixation on reducing migration at all costs, pulled us out of the EEA without due consideration of the security that these deals provide to British pensioners in Europe.
  • Retired British expats 'outstrip European pensioners using NHS' BBC News (11 January 2017)

• The war on drugs has been a catastrophic failure... We criminalise thousands of people, blighting their careers ... When people buy cannabis from criminals, they have no idea what they are buying.
  • Lib Dems to back a 'regulated cannabis market' in UK BBC News (12 May 2017)

• I’ve been clear from the start that I will not look to frustrate the will of the people of this area. I did not vote with my party who opposed the triggering of Article 50 and I will fight to help get the best Brexit deal for Britain.
  • Senior UKIP figure Peter Reeve urges people in North Norfolk to vote Liberal Democrat Eastern Daily Press (05 June 2017)

• Brexit is at the front of many people’s minds in this election, and my position is clear. Although I voted to Remain, I am a democrat and I accept the outcome of the referendum. Now that the people have voted to leave the EU, I will fight to make sure North Norfolk gets the best possible deal from negotiations – for local businesses, jobs, and public services.
  • General Election 2017: Full list of the candidates in Norfolk and Waveney - and why you should vote for them Eastern Daily Press (08 June 2017)

• There is an overwhelming imperative to negotiate a good Brexit deal
  • Election results 2017: Lib Dems hold North Norfolk from Tories BBC News (9 June 2017)

• I have deep criticisms of the EU and believe it needs fundamental reform to make it more dynamic, flexible and less centralised. But I felt and still feel that it’s better to fight for change from within. I voted remain but I am a democrat and I believe we have a duty to try to make Brexit work.
  • Which of Norfolk's MPs have changed their minds over Brexit? Eastern Daily Press (16 October 2017)

2018

• I have always argued the case for Remain. But I would like Britain to be in a radically reformed European Union not to go back to the status quo we had before – that would not answer any of the concerns people had.
  • Norman Lamb attacks Brexit deal and backs second referendum Eastern Daily Press (26 November 2018)

2019

• I campaigned and voted for Remain but I did so without any great enthusiasm for the EU. I have always felt that my party loses its critical faculties when it comes to the EU.
  • Norman Lamb: Brexit is a mess - here's how we get out of it Eastern Daily Press (15 April 2019)