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Proceeding contribution from Lord Harper (Conservative) in the House of Commons on Wednesday, 5 March 2008. It occurred during Debate on bill and Committee of the Whole House (HC) on European Union (Amendment) Bill.


European Union (Amendment) Bill

Let me just ask the hon. Gentleman this: my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond, Yorks (Mr. Hague), the shadow Foreign Secretary, made it clear that not only have we tabled amendments today, but the hon. Member for Glasgow, South-West (Mr. Davidson) has tabled one too, and it gives the option of having a referendum not only on the Lisbon treaty but on the in-out question that the hon. Member for Kingston and Surbiton (Mr. Davey) asks for. Why then are the Liberal Democrats not going to support that amendment, which could, of course, be amended in the other place, and instead are just going to sit on their hands? Is that because they are going to adopt the principle of constructive abstention—a new concept in this House—or is it because they are too frightened of their constituents?


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
472 c1790;472 c1788 
Session
2007-08
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
European Union European communities Referendums Parliament Treaties Treaty of Lisbon
Legislation
European Union (Amendment) Bill 2007-08
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk