I am glad to have such approval of what I am saying in advance. I entirely agree with what the noble Lord appears to want to do.
Go on and read the thing. See what it demands in terms of a referendum. Further on, the Bill gets even better. I implore the two noble Lords who talked about balance to look now at Schedule 1 to the Bill. Its heading is: "““Treaty provisions where amendment removing the need for unanimity, consensus or common accord would attract referendum””."
There are lists under Parts 1 and 2. Look at the list under Part 1, particularly, "““number of, and system for appointing, Commissioners””."
Will we have a referendum in which we go the British public and say, ““Do you agree with this system for appointing commissioners, or would you prefer that system for appointing commissioners””? How on earth could you run a campaign on that basis? You could not because the issue is so narrow. You certainly cannot use it as balance.
European Union Bill
Proceeding contribution from
Lord Richard
(Labour)
in the House of Lords on Tuesday, 26 April 2011.
It occurred during Committee of the Whole House (HL)
and
Debate on bills on European Union Bill.
About this proceeding contribution
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727 c36-7 Session
2010-12Chamber / Committee
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