Lords to question Europe minister on migration, the referendum and EU reform

The meeting is scheduled to take place on the eve of the EU General Affairs Council on 13 October and the European Council on 15 and 16 October.

The refugee crisis is high on the agenda for the EU summit, and the Lords Committee will aim to establish more clarity on how the UK is contributing to the development of a co-ordinated European response to the crisis.

Other areas that the Committee will focus on include the EU reform negotiations and whether the Government can shed more light on its objectives, the possible timing of an EU Referendum, how the Government's vision for Europe aligns with others', and economic convergence.

Questions the Committee will put to Mr Lidington could include:

• Can you tell us more about your objectives for EU reform?
• When and how will you make your specific reform objectives known, to Parliament and to other Member States?
• Have you considered delaying the date of the EU Referendum until 2017?
• Have you considered how this might affect the hosting of the Presidency that year?
• There are calls for an alternative, more ‘social' vision for the EU – are you taking these on board?
• Given that the UK has stated it will not take part in the EU migrant relocation schemes, how will you contribute on this issue at the European Council? 

The evidence session will start at 4.05pm on Monday 12 October in Committee Room 2 of the House of Lords.