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14/12/2007
EU Leaders Sign Treaty In Lisbon
EU leaders have signed a treaty in Lisbon, aimed at modernising the 27-member bloc’s institutions.
The signing of the treaty will pave the way for its ratification by MPs in a Commons vote next year.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown arrived late for the signing of the European Union Reform Treaty due to a prior engagement at Westminster. Instead David Miliband represented Britain at the ceremony.
The treaty - which is a replacement for the EU constitution - creates an EU president and a much more powerful foreign chief for the Union’s 27 nations.
It is hoped that the treaty will ease decision-making, by diminishing national vetoes in some 50 policy areas including police and judicial co-operation. There is be thousands of diplomats and officials.
Political correspondents feel that rather than giving Europe a strong solitary voice in the world, the new posts will only add to rivalry. The Conservatives have derided the Prime Minister for not attending the signing which is politically controversial in Britain.
However, Mr Brown commented: “What I’m going to say to Europe is stop looking inwards, stop looking at constitutions or semi-constitutions or institutions for a long time ahead and for the foreseeable future concentrate on the big issues ahead of us.”
Ireland is the only country planning to hold a referendum although voters there are not said to hold strong opinions.
(DS)
The signing of the treaty will pave the way for its ratification by MPs in a Commons vote next year.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown arrived late for the signing of the European Union Reform Treaty due to a prior engagement at Westminster. Instead David Miliband represented Britain at the ceremony.
The treaty - which is a replacement for the EU constitution - creates an EU president and a much more powerful foreign chief for the Union’s 27 nations.
It is hoped that the treaty will ease decision-making, by diminishing national vetoes in some 50 policy areas including police and judicial co-operation. There is be thousands of diplomats and officials.
Political correspondents feel that rather than giving Europe a strong solitary voice in the world, the new posts will only add to rivalry. The Conservatives have derided the Prime Minister for not attending the signing which is politically controversial in Britain.
However, Mr Brown commented: “What I’m going to say to Europe is stop looking inwards, stop looking at constitutions or semi-constitutions or institutions for a long time ahead and for the foreseeable future concentrate on the big issues ahead of us.”
Ireland is the only country planning to hold a referendum although voters there are not said to hold strong opinions.
(DS)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly cloudy day with outbreaks of rain, most persistent and occasionally heavy across southern and western counties this afternoon. Risk of low cloud and fog patches affecting the Down coast. Light winds. Maximum temperature 15 °C.Tonight:Continuing cloudy through the evening with further outbreaks of rain, the rain turning lighter and patchier from the south overnight. Winds remain light. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
