European Union (Amendment) Bill

I certainly will press the amendment to a Division, not least because, as the Minister just said, the provisions affect hundreds of enactments. It is all very well to say, ““It is just a matter of terminology; it is only a matter of words.”” But, almost by admission, the Minister has suggested that he does not know what impact the provision will have. I am totally unconvinced by his arguments for that reason. If he does not know why he is doing something, that is a good reason for us to challenge the basis on which it is done. I shall press the amendment to a Division, but before I do so, I refer to the explanatory notes, which state:"““Those two Treaties shall have the same legal value. The Union shall replace and succeed the European Community.””" The question that remains unanswered is what impact that will have. I believe that the clause will have constitutional implications. It merges the treaties. This is not just a matter of terminology, but a matter of substance and constitutional importance. Therefore, I am determined to press the amendment to a Division. Question put, That the amendment be made:— The Committee divided: Ayes 141, Noes 317.