Maastricht referendum vote expected in the Lords
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.PEERS are expected to be given the chance to vote on the principle of a referendum on the Maastricht treaty with the Second Reading of the Bill to ratify it in the Lords on 8 July, writes Colin Brown.
Government whips in the Lords yesterday denied claims by Tory rebels that this was part of a bid to defeat the pro-referendum campaign, led by Baroness Thatcher, before it had gained momentum in the Lords.
The whips said they were confident of Royal Assent for the Bill before the end of July, in spite of Tory rebels' plans to block it with a referendum.
The timetable announced yesterday will be tight. The Second Reading debate will be followed by four days on the Committee Stage from about 22 June and two days on the Report Stage, in the week beginning 12 July at the earliest. The Third Reading could take place in the following week, enabling it be given Royal Assent before both Houses rise for the summer recess at the end of July.
Tory opponents of the Bill were told at a plotters' banquet at Westminster that Lord Blake, the Conservative historian, will propose the referendum amendment.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments