§ Lord Pearson of Rannochasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, in view of the assurances given by Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 13 April (H. L. Deb., cols. 282–3), they will veto the forthcoming European Charter of Fundamental Rights if it is brought before the European Council in legally binding form rather than declaratory form. [HL2129]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalWe will consider the draft document provided by the convention drafting body on its merits. But the convention has no mandate to decide on the legal status of the charter. This is a matter for heads of government to decide at the Nice European Council in December.