European Union: Court of Justice

Baroness Butler-Sloss Excerpts

Wednesday 26th February 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)]

I thank my noble friend for his question. He will appreciate that I was slightly too young for some of those agreements. But I am very aware of my history and appreciate that it was colleagues now on the Opposition Benches. We are very clear about where we stand in our relationships with the European Union. We will work to ensure that businesses and consumers are protected and that the best possible deal for Britain is delivered, while we work closely with people we consider to be friends and allies.

[Baroness Butler-Sloss (CB)]

My Lords, I wonder whether noble Lords will allow me to say something about the ECJ. I used to attend its hearings on a regular basis. I listened to many judgments, not all of which I agreed with, but I am rather dismayed to hear it criticised. In the days when I went, the judges—particularly the British judge, I have to say, but also the other judges—were excellent. They gave excellent judgments, many of which benefited women, particularly in this country—myself included.

[Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)]

I thank the noble and learned Baroness for her question and for all the work she has done historically.