Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean (Labour). It was answered on Wednesday, 23 November 2005.

EU Presidency: Hampton Court Summit

Question: My Lords, does my noble friend agree that the attitude of the Benches opposite—being so sneeringly dismissive about what has been achieved with the accession of Turkey—is misplaced? Does she further agree that the accession of Turkey will be remembered from this presidency and that it is a shame that the House cannot acknowledge that an Islamic state joining the EU is something to be celebrated?

Answer: My Lords, I agree with my noble friend that the accession of Turkey—which has been welcomed on so many occasions by the Benches opposite—is an enormous step forward. I also believe that the on-going discussions with the Balkan countries are of the utmost importance. The European Union has recently decided that Moldavia will ultimately be able to become a member of the European Union. That is a tangible achievement of the European Union.

Secondary information