§ Mr. WigginTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on the incorporation of the Fundamental Charter for Human Rights into the European Constitution. [123857]
§ Mr. MacShaneWe have always supported the idea of a clear statement of fundamental rights, freedoms and principles applicable at Union level. Equally, we have always made it clear that incorporation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights into the constitutional Treaty would have to provide legal clarity and not extend EU competences.
The Government will reach a final decision about incorporation of the Charter in the context of the forthcoming Inter-Governmental Conference.