§ Lord Willoughby de Brokeasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 8th March (WA 137-38), whether any law or laws have been broken by Austria which would justify the imposition of sanctions by the other 14 member states of the European Union, including the United Kingdom. [HL1493]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalWe are not aware that Austria has breached any European Community law or any of its international commitments. However, the measures introduced by the 14 member states of the EU were intended to send a signal of concern over the inclusion of a far-Right party in the new Austrian Government. Along with our EU partners we are committed to act against xenophobia and discrimination and have the obligation to express concern where we see the danger of this arising.