Member

Finally, proposed new subsection (4) in the amendment from the noble Lord, Lord Purvis, would infringe the prerogative power of making and unmaking treaties. It is not wise to impose any immoveable requirements about a hypothetical set of circumstances that might arise in the future. This provision would seem to risk requiring the Government to breach the UK’s obligations under a treaty. It is clearly preferable that all options should be open to a future Government to deal with whatever the future may bring in the UK’s best interests, taking into account all the circumstances that exist at the time. I hope that the noble Lord will withdraw his amendment.