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Hague Programme

I had hoped that I had already made it clear, but let me try again. The issue that we are concerned about is not over QMV or unanimity. We are worried about the stealthy moving by means of the passerelle or gangplank of matters that have in the past—and in line with Government’s undertakings from the Prime Minister downwards since 1997—been reserved for the unanimity pillar. If we are not careful, those matters are going to be moved behind our backs through incompetent negotiation into the qualified majority setting. I have no doubt that when the right hon. Member for Leicester, East (Mr. Vaz) was Minister for Europe, everything was hunky-dory in every way. No doubt this country’s public could not have been better served. However, as he and I know only too well, he no longer holds that office.