Europe: Renegotiation

Debate between Earl of Courtown and Lord Wood of Anfield

Tuesday 10th November 2015 Lords Chamber

[The Earl of Courtown]

I could not agree more with my noble friend. With regard to dragging the EU model into the 21st century, he is quite right. Many of these treaties are obsolete and, as he said, they were pre-digital. Life has gone on.

[Lord Wood of Anfield (Lab)]

Can the Minister clear up this small confusion? The Prime Minster today said that if Europe did not listen to his demands he would rule nothing out. He also said, however, that,

“our membership of the EU does matter for our national security and for the security of our allies”.

Does that mean that if the Prime Minister is unsuccessful in getting Europe to listen to his demands and to respond constructively, he is prepared to recommend leaving, although leaving is against our national security?

[The Earl of Courtown]

My Lords, I am not exactly sure which part of his speech the noble Lord is referring to.

[Lord Wood of Anfield]

The bit I read out.

[The Earl of Courtown]

Of course, my Lords, the security of this country is paramount, as we show in many different ways. I will have to look at that particular part, and I will write to the noble Lord if I can add anything.