Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Kelvin Hopkins (Labour). It was answered on Tuesday, 29 November 2005 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

European Constitution

Question: Given the reality that the constitution is as dead as the Monty Python parrot, would it not be better for Britain to propose a more sensible alternative—the idea that, in future, Europe should be an association of independent, democratic states responsible for their own internal affairs—[Hon. Members: ““Hear, hear.””]—co-operating only where there is mutual benefit to be gained?

Answer: I think that the cheers of Conservative Members reflect the candour with which my hon. Friend has revealed his true agenda, which underlies so many of the questions that he asks—not only in Foreign Office questions but in wider debates on the issue. It is, however, continually the case and remains the case that the draft constitutional treaty was agreed by 25 member states, so it is not the role of any one member state to declare it dead. That explains the unanimous decision that was reached back in June, which will be the basis of further conversations in the European Council next spring.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 440 c122
Session: 2005-06
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: European Constitution Treaty EU countries France Referendums Netherlands
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk