Written question asked by Lord Pearson of Rannoch (UK Independence Party), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Triesman (Labour) on Monday, 26 February 2007.

EU: Foreign Minister

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they support the creation of the post of European Union Foreign Minister; and, if so, whether they have proposals to change the role of the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and the remit, staffing and operating budget of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Answer: The Treaty Establishing a Constitution for Europe, including provisions for an EU Foreign Minister, was agreed by all member states on 29 October 2004. However, following the no votes in France and the Netherlands, there is at present no consensus among member states on the future of the Constitutional Treaty. The way forward will be discussed at the European Council in June. The Government make no presumption as to the outcome of those discussions. My right honourable friend the Minister for Europe made a Written Ministerial Statement on 5 December 2006 regarding the UK's approach to these discussions. This remains the Government's position (Official Report, cols. WS10-11).

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 2099; 689 c288-9WA
Session: 2006-07
Related items: EU: Future of Europe
Tuesday, 5 December 2006
Written statements
House of Lords
Subjects: EU common foreign and security policy
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk