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A Citizens’ Agenda

That may be the hon. Gentleman’s policy, but it is not mine. It was rather amusing when the Minister suggested earlier that there were great differences of opinion among Opposition Members, given that he was clearly glossing over the large divergence of opinion on the Benches behind him. The fact that the debate has not been allowed to happen means that I and many others feel left in the dark about the Government’s policy and intentions. In its 31st report, the European Scrutiny Committee says, in reference to the Minister’s explanatory memorandum, that"““it is not clear…whether the Minister supports or rejects the Commission’s proposals for using Article 42 EU to move police and judicial co-operation in criminal matters to the First Pillar, where unanimity in the Council would not apply.””" That opacity was maintained as we approached the Council meeting at which the proposals were discussed. Astonishingly, it was maintained by the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, the hon. Member for Enfield, North (Joan Ryan), when she appeared before the European Scrutiny Committee last week.