European Union Bill

Debate between Ben Gummer and Austin Mitchell

Tuesday 25th January 2011 Commons Chamber

[Austin Mitchell]

I agree absolutely, and that line in the sand is here. Actually, it has to be a line in the concrete, because we cannot go on making contributions under article 122, which is meant for another purpose entirely.

[Ben Gummer]

Notwithstanding our treaty obligations, it seems to me that the hon. Gentleman is getting hung up on article 122. Is he really arguing that even if it were in our economic interest to support the bail-out of a country whose trade with us means that intervention is necessary, he would still oppose it?