Lords debates UK and EU
1 March 2016 (updated on 1 March 2016)
Members of the Lords, including former secretaries of state, party leaders, and military chiefs and diplomats who have served at the highest level, debated the European Union Referendum (Date of Referendum etc.) Regulations 2016 and the government's policy paper 'The best of both worlds: the United Kingdom’s special status in a reformed European Union', on Wednesday 2 March.
This was a general debate. During debates, members are able to put their experience to good use, discussing current issues and drawing the government's attention to concerns.
The debate was proposed by Foreign Office minister Baroness Anelay of St Johns (Conservative). Speakers included:
- Lord Ashdown of Norton-sub-Hamdon (Liberal Democrat), former leader of the Liberal Democrats and high representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Lord Kerr of Kinlochard (Crossbench), former ambassador and UK permanent representative to the EU and head of the UK diplomatic service
- Lord Lawson of Blaby (Conservative), chairman of Vote Leave and former Chancellor of the Exchequer
- Lord Mandelson (Labour), former European commissioner for trade
- Lord Pearson of Rannoch (UKIP), former leader of UKIP
Lord Faulks (Conservative), responded on behalf of the Government.
Lord Gilbert of Panteg (Conservative), gave his maiden speech.
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