The Europhilic ghost of Ted Heath is stalking the House of Lords, upsetting the passage
of the European Union Bill, the bill containing the coalition’s EU referendum
lock.
Lord Armstrong of Illminster, who was PPS to Edward Heath between 1970 and 1975, is trying to introduce a ‘sunset clause’ to ensure that the bill lapses at the end of this parliament. (He is working with Labour whip Lord Liddle, although Labour insists that this is not party policy.)
Another amendment has been tabled to guarantee that referenda are binding only if turnout exceeds 40 per cent. This could mean that Britain succumbs to legislative creep from Brussels because only major issues (such as joining the Euro) are likely to attract sufficient turnout. Again, Heath’s one time lieutenants, such as Lord Dykes, are behind this amendment. And Geoffrey Howe, a moderate europhile who was instrumental in Britain joining the ERM, is also a signatory.
Ancient history aside, the episode is a fine example of the Lords making trouble for the coalition, a growing fashion. The bill had entered its third and final reading in the Lords when these dissenters suddenly emerged. Coalition sources say that they have sufficient votes to defeat these motions, but concede that the result is not yet foregone and remain wary of the eurosceptics waiting in the Commons, should a diluted bill return there. Debate will recommence on 8th June.
PS: Dykes does not sit on the Conservative benches: a good illustration of the division wrought by the Tory euro-wars.
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