Written question asked by John Bercow (Conservative) on Monday, 20 November 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 30 November 2000. It was answered by Keith Vaz (Labour) on Thursday, 30 November 2000 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make a statement on his policy towards including the concept of risk of serious breach, in lieu of actual breach, by a member state of the principles set out in Article 6(1) TEU, as established in Article 7 TEU of the IGC proposals; and if voting rights may be suspended consequently without such breach having occurred.

Answer: Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his policy towards including the concept of risk of serious breach, in lieu of actual breach, by a member state of the principles set out in Article 6(1) TEU, as established in Article 7 TEU of the IGC proposals; and if voting rights may be suspended consequently without such breach having occurred. [139904] Mr. Vaz: There have been various proposals for a new early warning mechanism for Article 7 TEU in the event of a risk of a breach by a member state of fundamental rights. The latest Presidency proposal provides for the Council to address recommendations to the State in question. As in the current Treaty, any suspension of voting rights could take place only if the Council determined that such a breach had taken place. The Government are considering the scope for change to this article.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 357 c831W; 139904
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: EU countries Human rights EU institutions Reform Intergovernmental Conference 2000
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk