MPs debate the European Council summit
9 December 2011 (updated on 9 December 2011)
Bernard Jenkin, Conservative MP for Harwich and North Essex, moved a Backbench Business debate in Westminster Hall on Thursday 8 December on the European Council
European Council
The European Council defines the general political direction and priorities of the European Union. The European Council consists of the Heads of State or Government of the 27 Member States, together with its President and the President of the Commission.
The Backbench Business debate was scheduled to enable MPs to give their views prior to the European Council meeting taking place on 8-9 December 2011.
Watch and read the debate and the views expressed by MPs on Parliament TV and in Commons Hansard. Also find parliamentary material on the European Council in the Topics and News section.
- Parliament TV: Debate on the European Council
- Commons Hansard: Debate on the European Council
- Topics: European Council
- News: European Council
Backbench Business Committee
The House of Commons established the Backbench Business Committee on 15 June 2010. The Committee has responsibility for scheduling debates that are devoted to backbench business in the House of Commons Chamber and Westminster Hall.
Westminster Hall debates
Westminster Hall adjournment debates allow MPs to discuss issues of local or personal interest which rarely have time to be debated in the main Chamber of the House of Commons. MPs can discuss a variety of issues and receive a response from a government Minister.