Lisbon Treaty — Parliament to scrutinise the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs — rejected — 4 Jun 2008 at 16:33
The majority Not-Contents rejected an amendment[1] to the European Union (Amendment) Bill. This would have ensured that Parliament had the opportunity to discuss and scrutinise the conduct and role of the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs.
In moving the amendment Lord Howell of Guildford explains that:[2]
- 'We need much more than EU partners and a common foreign and security policy to fulfil and promote our contribution and our interests worldwide. We need maximum flexibility in our EU alliances and coalitions. Frankly, the Lisbon treaty gives us neither. Our foreign policy defines us as a nation and Parliament deserves and requires a proper say in that part of our international role, which is to be shaped by the EU and its agencies.'
However, Baroness Ashton of Upholland argues that:[3]
- 'Our scrutiny arrangements work extremely well... My argument against another report is that I believe that the current procedures already work effectively and should remain. The scrutiny position is clear and I do not believe that there is anything to be added by providing yet another report in this context.'
The European Union (Amendment) Bill implements the Lisbon Treaty into UK law. The main aims of the Lisbon Treaty were to[4]:
- 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] Lord Howell of Guildford, House of Lords, 4 June 2008
- [2] Lord Howell of Guildford, House of Lords, 4 June 2008
- [3] Baroness Ashton of Upholland, House of Lords, 4 June 2008
- [4] BBC News Q&A: The Lisbon Treaty, 5 February 2010
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