Michael Connarty
Labour Member of UK Parliament - Linlithgow and East Falkirk Constituency
European External Action Service
Michael Connarty (Linlithgow and East Falkirk) (Lab):
I am amazed to find out that Schengen has anything to do with the External Action Service. I certainly welcome the Minister's balanced approach to this matter. In fact,
14 Sep 2010 : Column 731
is it not true that in other parts of the EU the complaint is that there is far too much British influence in the diplomatic corps of the European External Action Service? Surely we must commend that, because it will bring a UK perspective to the actions in the EEAS that we should welcome.
Mr Lidington: The hon. Gentleman is right to say that that complaint is frequently heard in Brussels and in other European capitals. What I would say to those Members of the House, on both sides, who, like me-I freely admit it-voted against the establishment of the EEAS is that now that this body exists we should do all that is within our power to help shape it so that it can be used to give greater leverage to British influence throughout the world.
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