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Proceeding contribution from Lord Flight (Conservative) in the House of Lords on Wednesday, 15 June 2011. It occurred during Debate on bill on European Union Bill.


European Union Bill

My Lords, I rise with some trepidation, as I am not a lawyer. I have not been entirely satisfied by the arguments that have been put forward by both the noble and learned Lord, Lord Mackay, and other eminent lawyers in the House that we can rely entirely on the 1972 Act and the fact that apparently subsequent legislation depends on the definitions in that Act, to the effect that the 1972 Act covers all relevant legislation. The noble and learned Lord made the point that there was very little difference between his position and that of the Government in this territory, so I wonder what is wrong with taking a belt and braces approach to this matter. If I understand the position, there are other sources in relation to subsequent Acts that are as drafted not wholly dependent on the 1972 Act, and EU law can be given legal effect in the UK by secondary delegated legislation and not just by primary legislation.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
728 c795 
Session
2010-12
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
Subjects
EU law Legislation European communities Referendums Sovereignty Treaties Treaty on European Union UK membership of EU Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union Treaty of Lisbon Sunset clauses
Legislation
European Communities Act 1972
European Union Bill 2010-12
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk