Nikki Sinclaire MEP asks Baroness Ashton a question during a debate on the organisation and function of the EEAS.
Many of my colleagues here today have called for one voice for the European Union, indeed one said ambassadors rather than heads of delegation, but surely that needs some sort of federalism? The European Union does not have a mandate for that, and that's why, in my view, the EEAS is fundamentally flawed and I am sure it is a big problem for Baroness Ashton to carry out her duties when she cannot speak for all 27 nations but I can't help but feel that she is part author of her own problems.
Of course, she was leader of the Lords when she pushed through the Lisbon treaty, when she argued there was no fundamental change of power and now here she is, really wanting more power. So, which was it Baroness Ashton? You can't have it both ways. The only way that the EU can actually speak with one voice is if it has a mandate from the people.
One last point and one last specific question that I would really like you to answer this afternoon, 'Under what capacity, Baroness Ashton, were you at the Champions League final this year?".
