Policy #1015: "The UK should not ratify the Lisbon Treaty"

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

The majority No voters rejected an opposition amendment^[1] to the Government's 'programme motion'^[2].

The programme motion restricted the Commons to a set timetable for debating the European Union (Amendment) Bill, which implements the Lisbon Treaty. The amendment would have increased the number of days allotted for the debate, and increased the proportion of each day spent debating amendments to the bill.

Consequently, the amendment was intended to delay the passing of the European Union (Amendment) Bill.

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• [1] William Hague MP, House of Commons, 28 January 2008
• [2] Jim Murphy MP, House of Commons, 28 January 2008

The majority Aye voters approved a Government 'programme motion'^[1] restricting the House to set a timetable for debating the European Union (Amendment) Bill, which implements the Lisbon Treaty.

The debate will now take place over 12 allotted days (i.e. days selected for debate of this bill, as opposed to 12 consecutive days). On most days 4 1/2 hours are allowed for a motion that approves the Government's policy towards the Lisbon Treaty in a specific policy area, followed by 1 1/2 hours when the House can debate any selected amendments relating to that area.

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• [1] Jim Murphy MP, House of Commons, 28 January 2008