Minister of State for Europe

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The Minister of State for Europe is an executive position in the Government of the United Kingdom, in charge of affairs with the European Union. The office was formerly a junior Minister of State position in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. However, when Denis MacShane was replaced by Douglas Alexander after the 2005 General Election, Alexander was given a special provision to attend Cabinet meetings. The Attorney-General and Government Lords Chief Whip also have this right, and, since May 2006, the Minister for Trade does too.

The current incumbent is Geoff Hoon, who retains the right to attend cabinet, though he is not a member of it and cannot vote.

[edit] List of Ministers of State for Europe

• Doug Henderson (May 1997 to 28 July 1998)
• Joyce Quin (28 July 1998 to 28 July 1999)
• Geoff Hoon (28 July to 11 October 1999)
• Keith Vaz (11 October 1999 to 11 June 1999)
• Peter Hain (11 June 1999 to 24 October 2002)
• Denis MacShane (28 October 2002 to 11 May 2005)
• Douglas Alexander (16 May 2005 to 8 May 2006)
• Geoff Hoon (since 8 May 2006)

[edit] See also

• Minister of State (with special responsibility for European Affairs): the counterpart in the Republic of Ireland