Written question asked by Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Howell of Guildford (Conservative) on Tuesday, 8 November 2011.

European Union: Reform

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Statement by the Prime Minister on 24 October (Official Report, Commons, col. 26–7), what are the fundamental reforms of the European Union which they are determined to deliver.

Answer: The Government's immediate priority is for the eurozone to find a sustainable response to the current economic crisis, and to do so in a way that protects the rights of all 27 member states to take decisions over areas such as the single market. We shall also continue to press for tight limits on EU spending and action to promote growth and jobs, through free and open markets, and by cutting regulatory costs on European business. And the Government have committed to examining the balance of existing competences between member states and the European Union and, in particular, to work to limit the application of the working time directive in the United Kingdom.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 12812; 732 c35-6WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: European Council
Monday, 24 October 2011
Parliamentary proceedings
House of Lords
Subjects: EU reform
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk