To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Government support proposals in the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe for an EU Foreign Minister; and if she will make a statement. (112542)

The Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe, including provisions for an EU Foreign Minister, was agreed by all member states on 29 October 2004. However, following the “no” votes in France and the Netherlands, there is at present no consensus among member states on the future of the Constitutional Treaty. The way forward will be discussed at the European Council in June. The Government make no presumption as to the outcome of those discussions. My right hon. Friend the Minister for Europe made a written ministerial statement on 5 December 2006, Official Report, column 10-11WS regarding the UK’s approach to these discussions. This remains the Government’s position.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Government support proposals in the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe for an EU external action service; and if she will make a statement. (112543)

The Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe, including provisions for an EU external action service, was agreed by all member states on 29 October 2004. However, following the “no” votes in France and the Netherlands, there is at present no consensus among member states on the future of the Constitutional Treaty. The way forward will be discussed at the European Council in June. The Government make no presumption as to the outcome of those discussions. My right hon. Friend the Minister for Europe made a written ministerial statement on 5 December 2006, Official Report, column 10-11WS regarding the UK’s approach to these discussions. This remains the Government’s position.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Government support proposals in the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe for a permanent President of the European Council; and if she will make a statement. (112544)

The Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe, including provisions for a European Council President, was agreed by all member states on 29 October 2004. However, following the “no” votes in France and the Netherlands, there is at present no consensus among member states on the future of the Constitutional Treaty. On the basis of extensive consultations with member states, the German presidency will present a report on the state of discussion with regard to the Constitutional Treaty, and possible future developments, to the June European Council. The report will be examined by the European Council, but the Government make no presumption as to the outcome of those discussions. My right hon. Friend the Minister for Europe made a written ministerial statement on 5 December 2006, Official Report, column 10-11WS regarding the UK’s approach to these discussions. This remains the Government’s position