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UK ratifies the EU Lisbon Treaty | UK ratifies the EU Lisbon Treaty |
(about 6 hours 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. |
A total breach of trust with the British people William HagueShadow foreign secretary | |
Mr Cash branded the ratification a "gross impertinence", while Mr Wheeler described the ratification as "absolutely atrocious behaviour". | |
On Friday he 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. | 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. |
Shadow Foreign Secretary William Hague said the prime minister had "no democratic or moral authority to sign Britain up to the renamed EU constitution". | |
It was "a total breach of trust with the British people and a flagrant breach of his solemn election promise to the British people", Mr Hague added. | |
It's only in Britain's interest to be at the heart of Europe Harriet HarmanCommons leader | |
He branded the government "arrogant and out of touch", and accused it of "joining in the ugly bullying of the Irish people, who have clearly rejected this treaty". | |
But Commons leader Harriet Harman insisted it was "in Britain's interest to be at the heart of Europe and it's in Europe's interest that Britain should pay a leading part". | |
"We also recognise that with more members of the EU, we need to change the rules in order to make sure it works as efficiently and effectively as possible." | |
She added: "There is no question of bullying or harassing any other country." | |
Royal approval | |
The "instruments of ratification" were signed by the Queen and Foreign Secretary David Miliband before being deposited in Rome. | 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. | |
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 argue 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 a referendum is not needed as the treaty does not have constitutional implications. |