Czech President signs Lisbon Treaty

Tue Nov 3 2009 18:14:06

The Conservative Party has apparently scrapped its plan to hold a referendum on the European Union's Lisbon Treaty, after Czech President Vaclav Klaus became the last EU leader to ratify it.

Shadow Foreign Secretary William Hage said: "What has happened today means that it is no longer possible to have a referendum on the Lisbon treaty."

Tory leader David Cameron will formally announce on Wednesday what policy the Conservatives will take on the Treaty if they win the next General Election.

The Treaty, aimed at boosting Europe's role in global foreign affairs, creates the post of European Council president and also changes the way member states vote. It could now come into force as early as December.

The Treaty's supporters say it means the EU will work more efficiently and have more influence in world affairs, but those who oppose the changes say the Treaty hands over too many national powers to Brussels.

Foreign Secretary David Miliband has denounced Mr Cameron's position as "false and dangerous", saying he would not be able to deliver his promised concessions from Brussels.

"So much for David Cameron's cast iron guarantee to hold a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty," he said.

"He is still not being honest with people. The fact is you can't simply opt out of treaty obligations because to do so you need the agreement of the 26 other member states. He is willing to risk Britain's standing and the rights of British people because he is still not prepared to stand up to the right of his own party."

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