Council of the European Union: UK Presidency

Baroness Falkner of Margravine Excerpts

Tuesday 19th July 2016 Lords Chamber

[Lord Bridges of Headley]

I thank the noble Lord again— and by the way, I think he pronounced DfEEU very well. I cannot go further right now on setting out a timetable, but I absolutely understand what he says. He is right to say that we need to respect the views of our European partners. As I said, we are considering our options and will do so in a timely fashion.

[Baroness Falkner of Margravine (LD)]

My Lords—

[Lord Cunningham of Felling (Lab)]

My Lords—

--- Later in debate ---

[Baroness Falkner of Margravine]

I think we need the Leader of the House to give us an idea of who should be next.

[The Lord Privy Seal (Baroness Evans of Bowes Park) (Con)]

My Lords, it is the turn of the Liberal Democrats.

[Baroness Falkner of Margravine]

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?

[Lord Bridges of Headley]

I thank the noble Baroness for those points. Those are exactly the kinds of things that we need to take into consideration.