European Union (Amendment) Bill

This amendment highlights a highly unsatisfactory situation. I could not possibly vote for it, for some of the reasons that have already been advanced, for instance by the noble Lord, Lord Tomlinson. All the amendment does is highlight some of the most unsatisfactory aspects of the agreement signed up to by our Prime Minister without giving any hint of a solution to the problem that has arisen as a result of his signature. The amendment does not for one moment, for instance, provide for Parliament’s agreement to changes that may occur after the treaty has been ratified. It cannot and it does not. The real question, therefore, is why did the Prime Minister sign up to the deal without agreement being reached on all the matters listed in subsection (2) of the proposed new clause? Why on earth did he sign up to an agreement without, "““the powers and duties of the””—" new-style— "““President of the European Council””" being properly defined? Surely that is a matter of the most immense importance. If you are going to have a semi-permanent President of the European Council, it is inevitable that the balance of power between the President of the Commission and the President of the European Council will change from the situation as it is at present. I quite understand those who say that, as a result, certain changes in the powers of the president will have to come about. But for goodness’ sake, we are supposed to be giving our approval to an agreement. If we are asked to sign up to an agreement that leaves all of these important matters undefined, it is a pretty ridiculous state of affairs. Why on earth should we be asked to ratify a treaty without being told what is, "““the detailed role of the President of the European Council””?" What is his, "““relation to the Heads of Government of the nation holding the rotating presidency of the EU””?" Goodness me, why on earth should we ratify this treaty without even being told what will be, "““the powers and duties of the EU High Representative””?"