EU Constitutional Treaty: Referendum

Part of the debate – in the House of Lords at 11:00 am on 23 June 2005.

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Photo of Baroness Ashton of Upholland Baroness Ashton of Upholland Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Constitutional Affairs) 11:00, 23 June 2005

My Lords, I quote the Prime Minister's remarks of 20 June. He said that,

"whatever words are used in the Council conclusions, standing the results of the French and Dutch referendums"— or "referenda", as I prefer—

"the treaty cannot proceed. It is therefore sensible instead to have a period of reflection, in which the critical questions as to Europe's future direction are debated".—[Hansard, Commons, 20/6/05; col. 523.]

I draw noble Lords' attention to the speech given by my right honourable friend the Prime Minister this morning to the European Parliament. I believe that it is available.