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Proceeding contribution from Lord Stoddart of Swindon (Independent Labour) in the House of Lords on Monday, 19 May 2008. It occurred during Committee of the Whole House (HL) and Debate on bill on European Union (Amendment) Bill.


European Union (Amendment) Bill

I should like to quote from Britain’s New Deal in Europe, the document issued by the then Labour Government prior to Britain’s entry into the Common Market. It says: "““Your right to choose … The Labour Party manifesto in the election made it clear that Labour rejected the terms under which Britain’s entry into the Common Market had been negotiated, and promised that, if returned to power, they would set out to get better terms.""The British people were promised the right to decide through the ballot box whether or not we should stay in the Common Market on the new terms””." So the terminology ““Common Market”” is perfectly correct, and is set out in the new deal document. According to this important amendment, an order made under Clause 3(4) would be subject to affirmative resolution. If it is not accepted it will mean that any terminology—terminology is important in my view—that is altered will be put into operation and under the acquis cannot then be repealed before a Motion for annulment can take place. That is why the amendment is so important. It asks that before any terminology that might adversely affect this country is put in place, Parliament should have a say that means something rather than just expressing an opinion. I support the amendment and urge every Member of the Committee to do the same if they want to protect parliamentary power and privilege.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
701 c1318-9 
Session
2007-08
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
Subjects
Corporation tax EU law European Union Legislation European communities Police Powers Parliamentary scrutiny Racial discrimination Taxation Standardisation Treaty of Lisbon
Legislation
European Union (Amendment) Bill 2007-08
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk