G8 and NATO Summits

Lord Soley Excerpts

Wednesday 23rd May 2012 Lords Chamber

[Lord Strathclyde]

I take no view on what the eurozone should do. I accept that it is at a crossroads and there are two different views as to what could and should happen next. The House should be in no doubt that, whatever path is chosen, the Government are prepared to do whatever is necessary to protect this country and to secure our economy and financial system.

[Lord Soley]

On the problems in the eurozone, can the Leader of the House tell us what the Prime Minister was really thinking when he said that he would protect Britain’s interest? He went on to do what I can remember no other Prime Minister doing, which was to attack our major allies in Europe by lecturing and hectoring them and using phrases like,

“kicking the can down the road”,

which is more reminiscent of a debate in a university than it is of true statesmanship. Right now we need statesmanship.

[Lord Strathclyde]

My Lords, I do not follow that at all. There is no sense of my right honourable friend the Prime Minister lecturing those in the eurozone, although he might well be tempted to do so given that the United Kingdom economy, with our independent bank and independent currency, has been better able to weather the storm.