European Council

Lord Campbell-Savours Excerpts

Monday 23rd March 2015 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Stowell of Beeston]

My noble friend is right to highlight the TTIP agreement—the Europe-US trade agreement. Once it is finally in place it will be worth a huge amount to the United Kingdom and all other members of the European Union. It is a good example of why membership of the European Union remains very important to us as a country.

[Lord Campbell-Savours (Lab)]

My Lords—

[Lord Higgins (Con)]

My Lords—

--- Later in debate ---

[Baroness Stowell of Beeston]

The noble Lord raises an important question, but in the time available I will not be able to do it justice. Clearly we want to prevent the extension of nuclear arms wherever there may be a risk of that happening.

[Lord Campbell-Savours]

My Lords, in the event of an incident occurring somewhere in eastern Europe during the next six weeks, can we have an assurance that the Prime Minister would not unilaterally take action without the fullest possible consultation with the leader of the Opposition?

[Baroness Stowell of Beeston]

The Prime Minister has been clear that his first priority would be to seek a political solution and diplomatic route in response to any kind of situation and that any action taken by the United Kingdom would be as part of wider international auspices.