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Business of the House (Lisbon Treaty)

This is exactly why we need to debate these things at considerable length. The hon. Gentleman’s point of view may be that we have an opt-in and that that is satisfactory. On the other hand, other hon. Members will wish to point out that the protocol on these matters sets out a transitional period after which the arrangements are changed and after which this country may be faced with financial penalties if it does not decide to opt into many of those arrangements. We may have different views about that, but the point of our discussions today—the hon. Gentleman and I may be united at least in this respect—is that we need plenty of time to discuss such far-reaching measures before they slide through this House.