European Affairs

I could not agree more with my hon. Friend, especially with his last remark—that the European Union is completely mad. Nobody, realistically, would go into this Union now, knowing what we know—but we are where we are. At the next election my party will campaign to get powers back and to have a sovereignty Act so that the courts will interpret Acts of this House—of this Parliament—as ranking above the measures of the European Union. Those are huge pluses for the British people. In conclusion, as it would be unfair not to let those on the Front Benches have their say—indeed, I want to hear them—it would be wrong of me not to congratulate Labour Members on their contribution today. If I were Prime Minister, I would have the hon. Members for Luton, North, for Birmingham, Edgbaston (Ms Stuart) and for Great Grimsby (Mr. Mitchell) in my Government, as well as the hon. Member for Stroud (Mr. Drew). I would remove the Minister for Europe. I am sure that he could find a role as—I do not know: Culture Minister, perhaps. I have not quite decided which one of those other Members should be Minister for Europe, but, as I am chivalrous, I think that it should be the hon. Member for Birmingham, Edgbaston.