HL Deb 13 April 1999 vol 599 cc113-4WA
Lord Pearson of Rannoch

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean on 3 December 1998 (WA 56), what degree of autonomy in foreign policy is retained by the United Kingdom in the areas and subjects covered by the European Union Common Foreign and Security Policy working groups mentioned in that Answer. [HL1733]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean)

The only restrictions on the United Kingdom's freedom of action in the areas and subjects to which the noble Lord refers are those flowing from the obligations it has entered into in international law. The Treaty on European Union commits the member states to ensure that their national policies conform to Common Positions, where these exist, and to uphold these positions in international fora. Similarly, where Joint Actions have been agreed, they commit member states in the positions they adopt and in the conduct of their activity. Common Positions and Joint Actions are agreed by the Foreign Ministers of member states in the Council and are subject to the, requirements of parliamentary scrutiny arrangements for CFSP.