§ Mr. HopkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement 423W on the rise of the Freedom Party in Austria and its implications for Austria's relations with the United Kingdom. [109185]
§ Mr. VazWe have made very clear over the last two weeks our deep concern and distaste at the inclusion in the Austrian Government of a far-right party which appeals to xenophobia. We have welcomed the fact that the new Austrian Government have committed themselves to abiding by the common obligations and values of EU membership, to combating all forms of discrimination, and to dealing constructively with the country's Nazi past, but we will be watching them closely and judging them on whether they fulfil the commitments they have made.
§ Mr. LilleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs under which provisions of the European Treaties the(a) Commission and (b) European Presidency are seeking to influence the composition of the Government of Austria. [109028]
§ Mr. VazThe Portuguese Government on behalf of 14 members of the EU have made clear our concern on developments in Austria. The European Commission has also voiced its concern. The measures agreed by the 14 partners were not decided upon and are not being implemented within the framework of the EU or EC treaties, and Austria will continue to participate in EU business. For our part, I have made clear our deep concern and distaste at the inclusion in the Austrian Government of a far-right party which appeals to xenophobia. We will be judging the new Austrian Government carefully on whether they fulfil the commitments they have made in their Declaration to abide by all common obligations and values of EU membership.