European Union: Trade
Debate between Baroness Twycross and Lord Howell of Guildford
Baroness Twycross (Lab)
I genuinely think noble Lords would be very keen for me not to respond in song; they can all speculate on what type of song I would respond with. The question the noble Baroness raises around touring artists is a good one, and I look forward to talking about this in greater depth this afternoon.
Lord Howell of Guildford (Con)
My Lords, now that we have talked about the Second World War, it should remind us that the whole development of the EU, and the Common Market before it, was based on very close Franco-German co-operation and reconciliation. Now that that co-operation is not what it was, by any means, and that new forces are emerging in Europe, should we not work for new ideas and relations with our European neighbours? We certainly want good relations through the European Political Community organisation, where we have good status and standing, and where a number of completely new ideas, free of some of the old prejudices, are available and should be developed.
Baroness Twycross (Lab)
These two Questions I have been responding to today do have an element of similarity. I agree with the noble Lord that our relationships with Europe are related to trade but they also have to be related to security. We want to deepen co-operation within areas where the EU has unique capabilities, such as sanctions, countering disinformation, military mobilisation, and civilian crisis management and support—particularly to Ukraine. It is quite sobering to remember and recognise that, while we are talking about commemorating the Second World War, we do have war in Europe currently.
European Union
Debate between Baroness Twycross and Lord Howell of Guildford(4 months, 2 weeks ago)
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Baroness Twycross (Lab)
The UK has no plans for an EU-wide youth mobility scheme. There will be no return to freedom of movement, and that includes in relation to school trips. Although the UK recognises the deep importance of cultural and educational exchanges between the UK and other nations, any discussions and decisions relating to our policy on school trip travel have to be made with due regard to the proper functioning of our immigration system.
Lord Howell of Guildford (Con)
My Lords, what role will the European Political Community, which is quite new, play in this new togetherness and reset?
Baroness Twycross (Lab)
The European Political Community summit at Blenheim Palace on 18 July strengthened our relationships in Europe and included discussions on Ukraine and migration. At that summit we also secured support from 44 countries and the EU for tough new action against Russia’s shadow fleet of ships that evade oil sanctions, so actions are coming out of the EPC.