Lisbon Treaty — Second Reading — 21 Jan 2008 at 21:45

The majority Aye voters agreed to give a second reading to the European Union (Amendment) Bill. A second reading is where the main principles and purpose of a Bill is discussed. This Bill will give effect in United Kingdom law to the Lisbon Treaty.

The main aims of the Lisbon Treaty were to^[1]:

• Streamline EU institutions
• Establish a permanent President of the European Council (as of 16 March 2010 held by Herman Van Rompuy)
• Establish the post of High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (as of 16 March 2010 held by Catherine Ashton)
• Give new powers to the EU over justice and home affairs
• Remove the national veto in some areas such as energy security and emergency aid

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• [1] BBC News Q&A: The Lisbon Treaty, 5 February 2010

Debate in Parliament | Source |