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UK ratifies the EU Lisbon Treaty UK ratifies the EU Lisbon Treaty
(about 1 hour later)
The UK has officially ratified the European Union's Lisbon Treaty.The UK has officially ratified the European Union's Lisbon Treaty.
The documents were deposited with the Italian foreign affairs ministry in Rome on Wednesday.The documents were deposited with the Italian foreign affairs ministry in Rome on Wednesday.
The move came despite doubts over its future after the "no" vote in the Irish referendum. All EU states must ratify the treaty for it to come into force.The move came despite doubts over its future after the "no" vote in the Irish referendum. All EU states must ratify the treaty for it to come into force.
The EU treaty has proved controversial with unsuccessful attempts in Parliament and the courts to force a referendum to be held on it.The EU treaty has proved controversial with unsuccessful attempts in Parliament and the courts to force a referendum to be held on it.
Conservative MP Bill Cash sought a judicial review of the ratification process after the rejection from Ireland.Conservative MP Bill Cash sought a judicial review of the ratification process after the rejection from Ireland.
And two High Court judges dismissed a claim by millionaire businessman Stuart Wheeler that there was a "legitimate expectation" of a public vote.And two High Court judges dismissed a claim by millionaire businessman Stuart Wheeler that there was a "legitimate expectation" of a public vote.
Although there may be appeals against those rulings, the Queen and Foreign Secretary David Miliband have now signed the "instruments of ratification". 'Atrocious behaviour'
Mr Cash branded the ratification a "gross impertinence" and, speaking in the Commons, accused ministers of "effectively bullying the Irish" for voting against it.
Mr Wheeler has described the ratification as "absolutely atrocious behaviour" and on Friday will seek permission from a Court of Appeal judge to appeal against that decision.
He said he believed although the "instrument of ratification" has been deposited in Rome, the government still had the right to withdraw it and reverse its decision.
The "instruments of ratification" were signed by the Queen and Foreign Secretary David Miliband before being deposited in Rome.
These documents are on chlorine-free paper, designed not to deteriorate over time. They were then sealed and bound in blue leather before being lodged in Rome.These documents are on chlorine-free paper, designed not to deteriorate over time. They were then sealed and bound in blue leather before being lodged in Rome.
The treaty sets out a way forward for the 27-member and replaces the EU constitution which was abandoned after 'no' votes in French and Dutch referendums. The treaty sets out a way forward for the 27-member and replaces the EU constitution which was abandoned after "no" votes in French and Dutch referendums.
Opponents say that it is so similar to the constitution that promises to hold a referendum on the constitution should apply to the treaty.Opponents say that it is so similar to the constitution that promises to hold a referendum on the constitution should apply to the treaty.
But ministers say the two differ and say a referendum is not needed as the treaty does not have constitutional implications.But ministers say the two differ and say a referendum is not needed as the treaty does not have constitutional implications.