Council of the European Union: UK Presidency Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateBaroness Evans of Bowes Park
Main Page: Baroness Evans of Bowes Park (Conservative - Life peer)Department Debates - View all Baroness Evans of Bowes Park's debates with the Department for Exiting the European Union
(8 years, 3 months ago)
Lords ChamberI think we need the Leader of the House to give us an idea of who should be next.
My Lords, it is the turn of the Liberal Democrats.
While the noble Lord, Lord Bridges, is taking his time, does he accept that it would be extremely difficult for the United Kingdom to conduct a presidency if, under Article 50, it is banned from taking part in certain meetings that will inevitably have to happen during the presidency? Does he also accept that the parliamentary authorities will need to make arrangements—catering, venues and functions, among many others—if we are to carry out that presidency? Will the Government commit to refunding the House if they make a very late decision and contracts have to be cancelled?