asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, at the forthcoming European Union summit meeting, they will propose that there should be a procedural agreement for the future management of the Community of 27 nations, in order to allow for deliberate consideration of the existing treaties. [HL4298]

The UK ratified the Lisbon treaty on 16 July, and we want to see it enter into force. But the treaty requires ratification by all 27 member states before it can do so. Following the Irish referendum, the Irish Government have asked for time to decide on a way forward. We should respect that. The Irish Government are consulting both internally and with EU partners and presented an update to the European Council on 16 October.