A Clearer Vision for the Lisbon Treaty [7th March 2008]

[7th March 2008]

This is a report written by Cheryl Stevens, intern to Lord Taylor, on the Guide to the Lisbon Treaty Reception.

The Law Society’s ‘Guide to the Lisbon Treaty’ was held on the 29th of January in the Jubilee Room of the House of Commons. The purpose of the event was to discuss and promote the guide for solicitors and other people across the European Union. Readers should be able to understand the Lisbon Treaty in a condensed and sensible manner.

Upon entering the reception I met David Harrison. He is from one of the sponsor companies, Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP. We were discussing the Lisbon Treaty when Mark Clough QC from Addleshaw Goddard arrived. I asked them if they believed France and the Netherlands would ratify the treaty this time around. Mr. Harrison told me as he went through France he noticed many signs with the phrase ‘Vote No’. This intrigued me because I was under the impression that all countries were now behind this treaty. Mr. Clough explained to me that this was a positive step because now all states had to take responsibility for their own actions instead of placing the blame on others. We also discussed my passion for law. They spoke about how I could work for the European Union in the future.

The host of the event, Michael Connarty MP, Chair of the EU Scrutiny Committee, spoke about how this guide will aid those in the legal profession to understand the treaty in a convenient way. This will help them advise their clients appropriately. He also mentioned the new voting decisions between qualified voting and vetoes. Mr. Connarty asserted this guide is a great asset for the House of Commons to use because many people within the house do not have sufficient knowledge in the area.

The next speaker was the President of the Law Society, Andrew Holroyd. He spoke very highly of British solicitors! He commented that they were perhaps most prominent in the European legal field. He also said solicitors have a significant role in European law. Mr. Holroyd noted that the guide is beneficial for all solicitors and members of Parliament. It was completed by the EU Committee.

After the speeches I met John Ludlow, Head of Parliamentary Unit of the Law Society of England and Wales. He deals with Parliament often, so he knows of Lord Taylor. We discussed WLF and its goals. The conversation then moved towards law. He was surprised but impressed by my decision to study human rights law. His perception was that many Americans did not care about human rights. We also discussed American politics and the upcoming presidential election.

I had a wonderful time at the ‘Guide to the Lisbon Treaty’ Reception. If given the opportunity, I would not have changed any part of the reception because I enjoyed every moment. As a WLF intern, I am proud to work for Lord Taylor. As a former barrister, he has taught me a great deal about British law. I hope to expand my knowledge of law to all of Europe and this reception was a great start. I will be keeping in touch with the people I met.