Sir, The Lisbon treaty being debated in the House of Lords (report, April 1) is a necessary response to enlargement. As bishops in the Church of England, whose Diocese in Europe confirms our continental as well as English character, we recognise the importance of this reform treaty. The expansion of the union to 27 member states has been a great success, not least through bringing in previously communist states. It has created greatly increased opportunities for promoting the common good throughout Europe. The treaty will enable the countries of the union to work together more efficiently and effectively.

The present arrangements have not made the EU unworkable in the short term, but the changes in the treaty will make the EU more efficient and effective in the long term. Specific reforms should make the union work better, such as a permanent president for the European Council, and the merger of two overlapping foreign affairs posts. Moreover, the institutional reform in the treaty should draw a line under the EU’s long-running process-driven debate. There are many urgent challenges the EU faces, not least climate change and energy security, which require the EU’s full attention.

With specific regard to the religious dimension to the treaty, we welcome the provisions for regular, open and transparent dialogue between the Churches and the EU institution. To that end, we have recently appointed a Church of England representative to the EU institutions to help to shape subsequent debates on the future of Europe. The EU and its member states have a vital role to play in contributing to global prosperity, security and sustainability, and we believe that this treaty will enable the EU to show an even greater lead on the world stage.

The Right Rev Christopher Herbert

Bishop of St Albans

Chair, House of Bishops’ Europe Panel

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