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Proceeding contribution from Lord Sentamu (Bishops (affiliation)) in the House of Lords on Wednesday, 11 June 2008. It occurred during Debate on bill on European Union (Amendment) Bill.


European Union (Amendment) Bill

My Lords, I am bothered by an Act of Parliament which comes into force because of what we were sent, but then someone says in that Act that a report will explain and clarify it. This is a departure from the way Acts of Parliament in this country work. Parliament passes an Act and it is for the courts to interpret and clarify it. We are creating another category of legislation here. I am quite dubious about frequent regulation—you can govern by regulation—but that process has increased under the present Government and I am quite anxious about it. Parliament by regulation is always dangerous. I can associate myself with Acts and Bills, but if you want clarification and interpretation it is for the courts to provide it, not the Government who have brought forward the Bill. The Prime Minister’s reporting, clarifying and explaining will again be subjected to the courts, so why are we doing this? I would rather stick with the Act and forget this malarkey.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
702 c662 
Session
2007-08
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
Subjects
Citizenship China Education Judiciary EU law Information Energy European Union Flags EU common foreign and security policy EU institutions Oil Referendums Parliamentary scrutiny Public participation UK membership of EU European Court of Justice Treaty of Lisbon EU presidency EU trade European External Action Service
Legislation
European Union (Amendment) Bill 2007-08
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk