HL Deb 27 March 2001 vol 624 c20WA
Lord Pearson of Rannoch

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Treaty of Nice and related agreements require ratification by Parliament before they become legally binding upon the United Kingdom, or whether they have already become so under the treaty-making powers of the Royal Prerogative. [HL1183]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

The Treaty of Nice needs to be ratified by all 15 member states before it can enter into force and become legally binding upon the United Kingdom and the other member states. Before the UK can ratify the treaty, legislation amending the 1972 European Communities Act will need to be passed by Parliament.