Written question asked by Angus Robertson (Scottish National Party) on Tuesday, 22 February 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 28 February 2005. It was answered by Denis MacShane (Labour) on Monday, 28 February 2005 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effect of Article 1-5 of the Treaty Establishing a Constitution for Europe on (a) future internal enlargement of the EU whereby part of an existing member state becomes a separate member state of the EU, (b) transfer of territory from one member state to another and (c) the scope of possible arrangements between the UK and Spain on the future of Gibraltar.

Answer: Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effect of Article 1-5 of the Treaty Establishing a Constitution for Europe on (a) future internal enlargement of the EU whereby part of an existing member state becomes a separate member state of the EU, (b) transfer of territory from one member state to another and (c) the scope of possible arrangements between the UK and Spain on the future of Gibraltar. [218323] Mr. MacShane: In relation to (a) and (b) , the hypothetical implications, legal and political, of part of an existing EU member state becoming independent or of the transfer of territory from one member state to another would have to be considered at the time in the light of all the circumstances. In relation to (c) the EU Constitutional Treaty preserves continuity for Gibraltar's status.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 218323; 431 c972W;431 c968W
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Constitutions EU law EU enlargement European Union Gibraltar European Constitution Treaty Sovereignty Treaties Spain
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk