Written question asked by Lord Dykes (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Triesman (Labour) on Thursday, 17 May 2007.

EU: Voting Mechanisms

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will propose that any new treaty text for the European Union's functional priorities should combine normal national interest protections for member states with the expansion of qualified majority voting procedures in some areas beyond the single market.

Answer: There is at present no consensus among EU partners on the way forward regarding the constitutional treaty or any new treaty. These issues will be discussed at the European Council in June. The Government's approach to these discussions was set out in the Written Ministerial Statement of 5 December 2006 (Official Report, cols. 10-11WS) by my right honourable friend the Minister for Europe, Geoff Hoon, in another place. The Government have always taken the view that qualified majority voting in some areas can deliver practical benefits—but we will consider, as in all things, what is in the national interest.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 3710; 692 c56-7WA
Session: 2006-07
Related items: EU: Future of Europe
Tuesday, 5 December 2006
Written statements
House of Lords
Subjects: Constitutions European Union EU action Treaties Qualified majority voting
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk