Council of the European Union: UK Presidency Debate

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Department: Department for Exiting the European Union

Council of the European Union: UK Presidency

Lord Judd Excerpts
Tuesday 19th July 2016

(7 years, 10 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Bridges of Headley Portrait Lord Bridges of Headley
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We will play a full role, exercising the rights and observing the responsibilities that membership brings. However, on the presidency itself, I have nothing further to say now.

Lord Judd Portrait Lord Judd (Lab)
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My Lords, is there not another consideration that demands urgency in the Government’s decision? Should we decide not to take the presidency, there will be an awful lot of preparatory work to be done by whichever country has that responsibility. Are we completely egocentric?

Lord Bridges of Headley Portrait Lord Bridges of Headley
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No, my Lords. The noble Lord also speaks with a lot of experience on these matters. That is exactly why we need to make this decision in a timely manner and after due consideration of all the points that have been raised this afternoon.