§ Mr. SpringTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the discussions to date in the Convention which is drafting the Charter of Fundamental Rights. [124070]
§ Mr. VazThe Charter Convention drafting body has now met 10 times, and has completed its first discussion of the full list of rights. A revised draft of civil and political rights is due for a second discussion at the Charter Convention meeting on 5–6 June. A revised draft of economic and social rights and horizontal clauses is due to be discussed on 19–20 June. These drafts are generally closer to the ECHR and the Treaties than their predecessors. But more work needs to be done to ensure that the end product fulfils the remit agreed by Heads of Government at the Cologne European Council last June. The Government believe that to meet its objectives the Charter should preserve legal certainty, stick to existing rights and be consistent with EU policies and objectives. It should be declaratory in form.
The latest Charter drafts have been placed in the Libraries of the two Houses, together with Lord Goldsmith's comments on the civil and political articles. These papers, as well as contributions from member states' representatives and other interest organisations, are also available on the Charter website (ue.eu.int).
§ Mr. SpringTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if his answer to the hon. Member for Tunbridge Wells (Mr. Norman) on 1 February 2000,Official Report, column 541W, remains the Government's policy towards the incorporation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights into the EU treaties. [124111]