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MPs consider fallout from EU vote MPs consider fallout from EU vote
(about 4 hours later)
MPs are assessing the fallout from the vote to reject a referendum on the controversial new EU treaty.MPs are assessing the fallout from the vote to reject a referendum on the controversial new EU treaty.
The government saw off attempts in the Commons by both the Tories and its own rebel MPs to stage a referendum.The government saw off attempts in the Commons by both the Tories and its own rebel MPs to stage a referendum.
But the outcome has exposed divisions in all three parties, particularly the pro-European Liberal Democrats.But the outcome has exposed divisions in all three parties, particularly the pro-European Liberal Democrats.
The Conservatives have vowed to fight on and introduce their amendment calling for a referendum when the treaty bill goes to the House of Lords.The Conservatives have vowed to fight on and introduce their amendment calling for a referendum when the treaty bill goes to the House of Lords.
In the House of Commons vote on Wednesday night, the Conservative amendment to the EU (Amendment) Bill was rebuffed by a majority of 63.In the House of Commons vote on Wednesday night, the Conservative amendment to the EU (Amendment) Bill was rebuffed by a majority of 63.
Strategy backfiredStrategy backfired
But there were splits, with 29 Labour MPs and a quarter of Lib Dems backing the call for a public vote. Three Tories also defied their party leadership.But there were splits, with 29 Labour MPs and a quarter of Lib Dems backing the call for a public vote. Three Tories also defied their party leadership.
Nick Clegg, who has been Lib Dem leader for less than three months, has defended ordering his party to abstain in the vote.Nick Clegg, who has been Lib Dem leader for less than three months, has defended ordering his party to abstain in the vote.
But his strategy backfired with 15 of his MPs refusing to do so, and three frontbenchers resigning over the issue. But his strategy appeared to backfire with 15 of his MPs refusing to do so, and three frontbenchers resigning over the issue.
We hope that in this case the Lords will hold the government to their manifesto commitment William Hague, Conservative Clegg revamp after rebellionWe hope that in this case the Lords will hold the government to their manifesto commitment William Hague, Conservative Clegg revamp after rebellion
The BBC's political correspondent Adam Fleming said Mr Clegg has already reassigned their responsibilities, but it had been an "uncomfortable experience for the new leader, with critics saying he should have allowed a free vote". Mr Clegg has already reassigned their responsibilities, but it was seen as an uncomfortable experience for the new leader.
Like the government, the Lib Dem leadership argued that a referendum on the EU's Lisbon Treaty was not necessary as it is a very different document from the now abandoned EU constitution.Like the government, the Lib Dem leadership argued that a referendum on the EU's Lisbon Treaty was not necessary as it is a very different document from the now abandoned EU constitution.
But the Conservatives, along with some Labour and Lib Dem MPs and the UK Independence Party among others, say that it is effectively the constitution under a different name - so there should be a referendum.But the Conservatives, along with some Labour and Lib Dem MPs and the UK Independence Party among others, say that it is effectively the constitution under a different name - so there should be a referendum.
All three main parties promised a public vote on the EU Constitution in their 2005 general election manifestos.All three main parties promised a public vote on the EU Constitution in their 2005 general election manifestos.
Pivotal rolePivotal role
Shadow foreign secretary William Hague said the Lib Dems could still help secure a referendum on the treaty if they abstained again in the Lords, where the government has no overall majority.Shadow foreign secretary William Hague said the Lib Dems could still help secure a referendum on the treaty if they abstained again in the Lords, where the government has no overall majority.
"This treaty will now go to the House of Lords," he said.
"It is convention that the House of Lords does not stand in the way of manifesto commitments. We hope that in this case the Lords will hold the government to their manifesto commitment."It is convention that the House of Lords does not stand in the way of manifesto commitments. We hope that in this case the Lords will hold the government to their manifesto commitment.
"The Liberal Democrats' position will once again be pivotal. We will see if they follow their three-line whip in the Commons to abstain.""The Liberal Democrats' position will once again be pivotal. We will see if they follow their three-line whip in the Commons to abstain."
The result of yesterday's vote means Parliament itself will decide to ratify the treaty, signed by EU leaders last December.The result of yesterday's vote means Parliament itself will decide to ratify the treaty, signed by EU leaders last December.
All EU parliaments must ratify the treaty before it can come into force. The only country which has committed to a referendum is Ireland.All EU parliaments must ratify the treaty before it can come into force. The only country which has committed to a referendum is Ireland.