HC Deb 25 January 1982 vol 16 cc245-6W
Mr. Stokes

asked the Lord Privy Seal why Her Majesty's Government have decided to upgrade the legation at the Vatican to an embassy.

Mr. Humphrey Atkins

The maintenance at the Holy See of our only remaining Legation was an anomaly, based on historical considerations which have long lost their significance. The majority of States, including all but one of the United Kingdom's Community partners, have full diplomatic relations with the Holy See. The Pope has influence in several areas of the world where important British interests are at stake and, by raising the status of their representative at the Holy See to ambassadorial level, Her Majesty's Government are underlining the importance attached to the views of the Vatican.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Lord Privy Seal what criteria were taken into account in establishing diplomatic relations at ambassadorial level with the Vatican; and what considerations led to the timing of this change.

Mr. Humphrey Atkins

The previous level of relations was an anomaly, based on historical considerations which have long lost their significance. The majority of States, including all but one of the United Kingdom's Community partners, have full diplomatic relations with the Holy See. The Pope has influence in several areas of the world where important British interests are at stake and, by raising the status of their representative at the Holy See to ambassadorial level, Her Majesty's Government are underlining the importance attached to the views of the Vatican. This change had been under consideration for some time. There is no significance in the timing of the announcement.