HC Deb 28 June 2001 vol 370 cc165-6W
Mr. Spring

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to launch the UK consultation process for the Future of Europe debate. [851]

Peter Hain

There is already a lively UK debate on the future of Europe. The Government welcome this. As the Prime Minister said in Warsaw in October 2000, the challenge now is to reform the EU so that it delivers real benefits to the people of Europe, addressing the priorities they want addressed; and does so in a way which has their consent and support.

A number of Government initiatives have already been taken to sustain and develop this debate:

  • The Prime Minister's Warsaw speech laid out the overall approach of the UK Government, inviting others to contribute to the debate. Ministers have regularly addressed EU issues in media appearances and contacts with the public.
  • The EU section of the Foreign Office website has made available a substantial amount of material on the EU and the UK's place in it, and hosts regular online debates on topical EU issues.
  • The Government have held a series of parliamentary debates on the EU. There will be further such opportunities as Parliament considers the Bill to ratify the Nice Treaty.
  • The Government have organised or sponsored a number of public events to solicit the views of academics, civil society and the general public.

The Government's efforts to provide information and seek the public's views will continue in the coming months.