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Proceeding contribution from Ed Davey (Liberal Democrat) 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

No. Let us examine some of the many similarities. Both treaties sought to change ““ecu”” to ““euro”” and ““economic community”” to ““European Union”” in all the past treaties. Both treaties contain a hatful of useful reforms, from energy liberalisation to information sharing about sex offenders, from cutting the bureaucracy to strengthening accountability. Are those the reasons why any of us promised a referendum? Absolutely not. Is it contentious to co-operate on tackling terrorism more effectively? Do we need a referendum on that? Why are the Conservatives so worried about Britain being more able to influence countries in eastern Europe? Is it to clamp down on the trafficking of guns, of drugs or of people? As has been said, when the facts change and the treaties change, people should have the courage to admit that.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
472 c1798;472 c1796 
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