European Affairs

If that point is correct, I accept it. Nevertheless, the principle still exists whereby we do not have a veto, and the burden of proof still lies with Britain in that situation. As I was saying, that complacency is indicative of how the Government under-performed on the AIFM directive and on the appointment of the Internal Market Commissioner. There is a pattern of the Government failing to get stuck in until it is too late. That is why we would appoint a senior Treasury Minister to spend as much time as needed in Brussels, and a Conservative Chancellor would actually attend ECOFIN meetings to restore our credibility and authority at the negotiating table. It is time that the UK took its responsibilities more seriously in that area. We need a better approach in Europe, and that includes sorting out the mess that we have been left with by Labour over the Lisbon treaty. My right hon. Friend the Leader of the Opposition has set out our proposals to sort out what we can of that situation. Our domestic proposals include a referendum lock on any future treaty that transfers competences from Britain to the EU; a primary legislation requirement for the use of any passerelle or bridging clause; and a sovereignty Bill to enshrine in law where ultimate legislative authority lies—the Kompetenz-Kompetenz issue, as German lawyers call it. Those proposals will greatly strengthen the EU's democratic accountability in this country and ensure that a treaty never again hands areas of power from Britain to the EU without popular consent. We have also set out proposals for three British guarantees to fix the most damaging points of the Lisbon treaty and other outstanding issues where the EU's remit is unnecessary and problematic. Those proposals include a proper opt-out from the charter of fundamental rights, a restoration of the European Court of Justice's limited jurisdiction over criminal justice, and the return of Britain's opt-out from social and employment legislation in those areas that have proved most damaging to our economy and public services.