Menu
11/02/2004
New committee to allow greater scrutiny of European legislation
Parliament is to have more opportunity to scrutinise and debate European legislation, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has said today.
Mr Straw set out plans for a new parliamentary committee to debate European issues, whereby Ministers, European Commissioners and Members of both the Lords and Commons would be able to attend.
In a statement to Parliament, Mr Straw also said that a White Paper will be published in April this year outlining upcoming European issues – and there will be a new White Paper published every January following.
The Foreign Secretary said that 2004 was to be an important year for the EU with 10 new members due to join in May and MEP elections due in June.
"We also have the initial proposals on the financing of the European Union after 2006; the continuing efforts to reform the European economy so that it better delivers jobs and prosperity; and the outstanding matter of the Intergovernmental Conference," he said.
The Foreign Secretary said it was "imperative" that national democratic bodies were "fully engaged" on issues like trade, the environment and organised crime.
He added: "I hope that the proposals I have set out today will go some way to ensuring that we in this House, and in Parliament as a whole, can be more effective in doing that."
The United Kingdom is to assume presidency of the EU in 2005.
(gmcg)
Mr Straw set out plans for a new parliamentary committee to debate European issues, whereby Ministers, European Commissioners and Members of both the Lords and Commons would be able to attend.
In a statement to Parliament, Mr Straw also said that a White Paper will be published in April this year outlining upcoming European issues – and there will be a new White Paper published every January following.
The Foreign Secretary said that 2004 was to be an important year for the EU with 10 new members due to join in May and MEP elections due in June.
"We also have the initial proposals on the financing of the European Union after 2006; the continuing efforts to reform the European economy so that it better delivers jobs and prosperity; and the outstanding matter of the Intergovernmental Conference," he said.
The Foreign Secretary said it was "imperative" that national democratic bodies were "fully engaged" on issues like trade, the environment and organised crime.
He added: "I hope that the proposals I have set out today will go some way to ensuring that we in this House, and in Parliament as a whole, can be more effective in doing that."
The United Kingdom is to assume presidency of the EU in 2005.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 May 2003
Labour defends its position on European Convention
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said today that a new European constitution would "not significantly change" the relationship between the EU and its member nations, adding that it would be another year until the final version is finalised.
Labour defends its position on European Convention
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said today that a new European constitution would "not significantly change" the relationship between the EU and its member nations, adding that it would be another year until the final version is finalised.
13 June 2005
Blair to remain “firm” EU rebate
Prime Minister Tony Blair has said that he will be “diplomatic but firm” with European leaders over the issue of the UK’s European Union rebate. The Prime Minister, who was in Moscow for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, was speaking ahead of the forthcoming European summit, which takes place in Brussels on June 16 and 17.
Blair to remain “firm” EU rebate
Prime Minister Tony Blair has said that he will be “diplomatic but firm” with European leaders over the issue of the UK’s European Union rebate. The Prime Minister, who was in Moscow for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, was speaking ahead of the forthcoming European summit, which takes place in Brussels on June 16 and 17.
01 June 2004
Beware 'extremists', Tories urge ahead of Euro poll
Tory leader Michael Howard has appealed to UK voters to reject "extremist" alternatives – such as the UK Independence Party – for June's European elections. Mr Howard is keen not to leak Eurosceptic votes to the UKIP and appealed for Conservatives to rally behind his party's vision of Europe - which he declared "puts Britain first".
Beware 'extremists', Tories urge ahead of Euro poll
Tory leader Michael Howard has appealed to UK voters to reject "extremist" alternatives – such as the UK Independence Party – for June's European elections. Mr Howard is keen not to leak Eurosceptic votes to the UKIP and appealed for Conservatives to rally behind his party's vision of Europe - which he declared "puts Britain first".
12 November 2008
Miliband's Syria Mission Announced
Foreign Secretary David Miliband will be dispatched to Syria in an attempt to improve Middle East relations, the Foreign Office has confirmed.
Miliband's Syria Mission Announced
Foreign Secretary David Miliband will be dispatched to Syria in an attempt to improve Middle East relations, the Foreign Office has confirmed.
21 June 2013
Cigarettes Prices 94% above EU Avergae
New figures from the EU statistical office, Eurostat, have shown that the UK has some of the highest alcohol and tobacco prices in European Union. In Britain, alcohol prices are 43% above average and cigarettes are the third highest recorded, coming in at 94% above average.
Cigarettes Prices 94% above EU Avergae
New figures from the EU statistical office, Eurostat, have shown that the UK has some of the highest alcohol and tobacco prices in European Union. In Britain, alcohol prices are 43% above average and cigarettes are the third highest recorded, coming in at 94% above average.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:There will be a mixture of bright intervals and a few showers. Best of the sunny spells will be near the North Coast. Feeling on the cool side. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Showers will gradually die out during the evening. A cold night with long clear spells leading to a touch of frost in places. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
