Menu
03/11/2009
Cameron's Lisbon 'Disappointment'
Conservative Leader David Cameron will reveal his party's reviewed Lisbon Treaty strategy tomorrow, amid speculation the new European policy is on the cusp of full ratification.
In 2007, Mr Cameron insisted, should the Tories come to power, a referendum would be held on the treaty.
Having provided a "cast iron" guarantee on the issue, Mr Cameron and his party continued to hold their position, despite the fact the treaty was effectively signed-off by the current government.
He is now facing calls to hold a post-ratification referendum if the Tories win the next election.
Today, Mr Cameron conceded: "It looks like this treaty is no longer going to be a treaty, it looks like it is going to become part of European law and that is going to create a new situation."
He said the Conservatives would be "responding in full before the end of the week" to the "new situation".
Addressing reports suggesting the Czechs are poised to ratify the treaty, Mr Cameron said he suspected "time was running out".
"It looks like this is going to happen. I am very disappointed by that," said the Tory leader.
Conservative MEP Roger Helmer said he believes Mr Cameron is a "man of his word", and is likely to push for a referendum in some form.
"He gave a cast iron guarantee to the British people that, if and when he became Prime Minister, we would have a referendum and I believe that is a commitment he will need to keep to," Mr Helmer told the BBC.
Europe Minister Chris Bryant said the government is committed to the treaty, suggesting Mr Cameron is "terrified of betraying the Eurosceptic wing of his party".
"This is a very significant challenge for the Conservative Party and we are not going to let them run away from it," he added.
(PR/BMcc)
In 2007, Mr Cameron insisted, should the Tories come to power, a referendum would be held on the treaty.
Having provided a "cast iron" guarantee on the issue, Mr Cameron and his party continued to hold their position, despite the fact the treaty was effectively signed-off by the current government.
He is now facing calls to hold a post-ratification referendum if the Tories win the next election.
Today, Mr Cameron conceded: "It looks like this treaty is no longer going to be a treaty, it looks like it is going to become part of European law and that is going to create a new situation."
He said the Conservatives would be "responding in full before the end of the week" to the "new situation".
Addressing reports suggesting the Czechs are poised to ratify the treaty, Mr Cameron said he suspected "time was running out".
"It looks like this is going to happen. I am very disappointed by that," said the Tory leader.
Conservative MEP Roger Helmer said he believes Mr Cameron is a "man of his word", and is likely to push for a referendum in some form.
"He gave a cast iron guarantee to the British people that, if and when he became Prime Minister, we would have a referendum and I believe that is a commitment he will need to keep to," Mr Helmer told the BBC.
Europe Minister Chris Bryant said the government is committed to the treaty, suggesting Mr Cameron is "terrified of betraying the Eurosceptic wing of his party".
"This is a very significant challenge for the Conservative Party and we are not going to let them run away from it," he added.
(PR/BMcc)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 June 2014
Tourism Minister Suggests 'Staycations' In Passport Delay Row
Tourism Minister Helen Grant has been criticised after suggesting people whose passports have been delayed should holiday in the UK instead. Speaking to House magazine, she added that while she was "very confident" people would receive their passports in time, the UK is a "wonderful place" to take a break.
Tourism Minister Suggests 'Staycations' In Passport Delay Row
Tourism Minister Helen Grant has been criticised after suggesting people whose passports have been delayed should holiday in the UK instead. Speaking to House magazine, she added that while she was "very confident" people would receive their passports in time, the UK is a "wonderful place" to take a break.
04 November 2009
No 'Tory Turmoil' Over Lisbon: Cameron
The dissolution of a "cast iron" pledge to hold a UK referendum on the Lisbon Treaty has not brought the Tories into turmoil, David Cameron insisted today. Mr Cameron effectively dropped his party's commitment to hold a public vote on the EU treaty, which could be fully ratified by all member states within days.
No 'Tory Turmoil' Over Lisbon: Cameron
The dissolution of a "cast iron" pledge to hold a UK referendum on the Lisbon Treaty has not brought the Tories into turmoil, David Cameron insisted today. Mr Cameron effectively dropped his party's commitment to hold a public vote on the EU treaty, which could be fully ratified by all member states within days.
04 November 2014
UK Warned Over Interest Charges If EU Payment Deadline Missed
The European Commission has warned that the UK will face charges of more than £3.5 million if it misses the 01 December deadline, for a £1.7 billion payment it has been asked to make to the European Union. It is understood that David Cameron has said the UK has "no intention" of paying the money.
UK Warned Over Interest Charges If EU Payment Deadline Missed
The European Commission has warned that the UK will face charges of more than £3.5 million if it misses the 01 December deadline, for a £1.7 billion payment it has been asked to make to the European Union. It is understood that David Cameron has said the UK has "no intention" of paying the money.
23 September 2014
PM In New York For UN Meeting On IS
The Prime Minister is in New York for a meeting of the UN General Assembly, to find out "what more the UK can do to contribute" in the efforts to confront Islamic State militants. Downing Street has said that David Cameron supports the latest air strikes launched by the US and five other Gulf and Middle East countries.
PM In New York For UN Meeting On IS
The Prime Minister is in New York for a meeting of the UN General Assembly, to find out "what more the UK can do to contribute" in the efforts to confront Islamic State militants. Downing Street has said that David Cameron supports the latest air strikes launched by the US and five other Gulf and Middle East countries.
09 September 2014
Devolution Deal Offered For Scots 'No' Vote
A 'fast-track' deal is being offered to the people of Scotland by the three main UK political parties, should they decide to vote 'no' in the looming independence referendum. The deal would ensure greater tax and welfare powers for Holyrood in the event that it remains part of the United Kingdom.
Devolution Deal Offered For Scots 'No' Vote
A 'fast-track' deal is being offered to the people of Scotland by the three main UK political parties, should they decide to vote 'no' in the looming independence referendum. The deal would ensure greater tax and welfare powers for Holyrood in the event that it remains part of the United Kingdom.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A generally dry and bright day with some sunny spells. However, thicker cloud could give patchy rain at first near North Channel coasts, perhaps the odd shower breaking out in the west later in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 16 °C.Tonight:Any showers in the west soon dying out, dry for most with some clear spells. Showery outbreaks of rain could develop across parts of the south overnight. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
