European Union (Amendment) Bill

My Lords, I would expect the Liberals to think that that was a great speech. They would sell this country down the river tomorrow if they could, so that is quite expected. However, I sincerely trust that Mr Brown will tell or has told Mr Sarkozy in no uncertain terms that he has no intention of agreeing to any of those demands. At this point, like the noble Lord, Lord Renwick, I ask for a firm assurance that the promise to hold a referendum on the scrapping of the pound is sacrosanct, that there will be no trickery or backsliding on that promise—a promise made by all Governments so far—and that we shall, before joining another currency, have that referendum. Finally, the Select Committee report rightly says that Parliament will have to look at its procedures following the implementation of the Lisbon treaty. I agree, but the only way in which Parliament can have any real influence is if it is able to mandate Ministers before they cast their votes on legislative proposals in Brussels. I hope that the Select Committee will pursue that political line. I shall of course oppose the treaty, as noble Lords would expect, and vote for a referendum.