European Union (Amendment) Bill

My Lords, I do not think that petty party considerations are behind this amendment. It is a great anxiety that many people have—I am one of them—that those who lead the European Union are getting out of touch with the electorate, which is a very bad thing. Everyone knows that for this European Union to move effectively, it has to have people’s backing. Leaders cannot get themselves so divorced from what people think that they operate in a world of their own. We all know that the Government do not want a referendum—and one can understand it—because they know they will lose it. Therefore it is not being allowed. The thinking behind the amendment is, ““We have given a certain amount away to Brussels. We cannot give more away without parliamentary approval””. I think that is perfectly reasonable and I hope that the noble Baroness will give it consideration. I am sure that the diktats from on high have said, ““On no account must you accept any amendments from the House of Lords””. However, despite that, I hope that the Minister will consider it.