To ask Her Majesty's Government whether negotiations are taking place with other member states of the European Union about the European Union diplomatic service in advance of the possible implementation of the Lisbon treaty; and, if so, what position they are taking on the relationship between the European Union and United Kingdom diplomatic services, particularly on the issue of maintenance of the statutes and power of the United Kingdom diplomatic service. [HL5825]

No decisions on treaty implementation issues can be taken until the treaty of Lisbon enters into force. When the Lisbon treaty comes into force then the detailed organisation and functioning of the European External Action Service will be decided by the member states by unanimity on the basis of a proposal from the high representative. Coreper ambassadors have discussed a number of issues related to the European External Action Service and a text has been forwarded to the European Council as possible input into the high representative's eventual proposal. There are no plans to discuss the maintenance of the Orders in Council and the diplomatic service regulations of the United Kingdom diplomatic service. Article 27 (paragraph 3) of the TEU states that the European External Action Service will work in co-operation with the diplomatic services of the member states.