Experts believe that his words could signal that negotiations may begin imminently because it would take a year to negotiate a treaty and another year to ratify it.

In 1171, he was at the latter city to negotiate a treaty forming a common army.

Parliament has never in modern times negotiated a treaty.

A century ago, they negotiated treaties, entertained monarchs, debriefed spies and rallied the morale of isolated compatriots in dusty corners of the world.

In this capacity, they would help negotiate treaties and clear titles to land.