Council of the European Union: United Kingdom Presidency Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Department for Exiting the European Union
Baroness Smith of Newnham
Main Page: Baroness Smith of Newnham (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)Department Debates - View all Baroness Smith of Newnham's debates with the Department for Exiting the European Union
Council of the European Union: United Kingdom Presidency
Baroness Smith of Newnham Excerpts(8 years, 4 months ago)
Lords ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Lord Bridges of Headley
Noble Lords on all sides of the House know full well the mantra that discussions between Ministers are kept between ourselves. All I would say is that this decision was taken yesterday afternoon in light of the conversation with the President of the Council.
Baroness Smith of Newnham (LD)
My Lords, we have been told repeatedly by Ministers at the Dispatch Box that nothing will change until the day we leave the European Union. But so far our Commissioner has resigned, admittedly to be reappointed, and the Government have now decided that we will not take on the presidency of the European Union. What else are we likely to withdraw from between now and actually leaving the Union?
Lord Bridges of Headley
As I say, we will keep the House informed. I am sorry that the noble Baroness feels that way but I have nothing further to add.