Caroline Flint, the Minister for Europe, has admitted that she has not read the Lisbon Treaty, the controversial document which codifies the rules of the European Union.
In a surprise confession during a House of Commons’ debate, she told MPs that she had however been “briefed” on parts of the Treaty, which replaced but resembles the failed EU constitution.
Her honest declaration, which led to gasps from MPs, came after Miss Flint was asked during the debate if she had read the elements of the treaty that related to defence. She replied: “I have read some of it but not all of it.”
Critics described her admission as “extraordinary” and “unbelievable,” particularly given that the minister’s responsibilities include overseeing the introduction of the Treaty.
Mark Francois, the Tory Europe spokesman, said: “It is not every day that someone will admit they haven’t read the most important document for their job . . .