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22/01/2008
Government Wins First Battle Over EU Treaty
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has cleared the first hurdle of the controversial EU reform treaty despite a minor dispute by the Liberal Democrats to attempt to block the Tories to force a referendum.
Asked if the Lib Dems would allow the Commons to vote through a referendum by abstaining, he replied: "I certainly hope not. No".
Labour backbenchers who oppose the treaty have also warned that the Government could face a much bigger revolt when it comes to the expected vote on an amendment to hold a referendum.
The Government won a second reading on the EU (Amendment) Bill with a majority of 138 on Monday night.
Mr Brown signed the Lisbon Treaty in December but the Parliament must ratify it.
Although 18 Labour back-benchers and four Nationalist MPs had signed an amendment calling for a referendum on the document, it was not subject to a vote as the Commons speaker decided against calling it.
Foreign Secretary David Miliband insisted a referendum was unnecessary as the treaty did not amount to "fundamental constitutional" change. He said the Lisbon treaty was "good for Britain and good for Europe".
Mr Miliband insisted that the treaty marked the end of a process of institutional reform in the EU – which had "gone on too long and taken too much energy".
During the fiery debate, the Conservative MP Andrew Robathan was told to retract comments that the foreign secretary's speech was "a rant of propaganda that would be worthy of Goebbels".
Mr Brown was absent from the debate, as he was on his way back from a trip to China and India, prompting suggestions that he views their mounting economic power as far more important than finalising Europe's institutional future.
(CD)
Asked if the Lib Dems would allow the Commons to vote through a referendum by abstaining, he replied: "I certainly hope not. No".
Labour backbenchers who oppose the treaty have also warned that the Government could face a much bigger revolt when it comes to the expected vote on an amendment to hold a referendum.
The Government won a second reading on the EU (Amendment) Bill with a majority of 138 on Monday night.
Mr Brown signed the Lisbon Treaty in December but the Parliament must ratify it.
Although 18 Labour back-benchers and four Nationalist MPs had signed an amendment calling for a referendum on the document, it was not subject to a vote as the Commons speaker decided against calling it.
Foreign Secretary David Miliband insisted a referendum was unnecessary as the treaty did not amount to "fundamental constitutional" change. He said the Lisbon treaty was "good for Britain and good for Europe".
Mr Miliband insisted that the treaty marked the end of a process of institutional reform in the EU – which had "gone on too long and taken too much energy".
During the fiery debate, the Conservative MP Andrew Robathan was told to retract comments that the foreign secretary's speech was "a rant of propaganda that would be worthy of Goebbels".
Mr Brown was absent from the debate, as he was on his way back from a trip to China and India, prompting suggestions that he views their mounting economic power as far more important than finalising Europe's institutional future.
(CD)
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Brown Defends EU Treaty In Commons
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has defended the new EU Reform Treaty in the House of Commons. Mr Brown told the Commons on Monday that MPs would be given a chance to debate the treaty and asked if they tought it should be ratified. However, his government are facing calls from the Conservatives to hold a referendum on the document.
01 June 2005
Dutch vote on EU constitution
Voters in the Netherlands are heading to the polls today to vote on the EU constitution amid speculation that the result will be a ‘No’ vote.
Dutch vote on EU constitution
Voters in the Netherlands are heading to the polls today to vote on the EU constitution amid speculation that the result will be a ‘No’ vote.
06 June 2005
EU referendum plans put on hold in UK
The UK referendum on the EU constitution is to be put on hold, it has been announced. Foreign Secretary Jack Straw told the House of Commons today that it would not be “sensible” to set a date for a referendum. However, he said that the situation would be kept under review.
EU referendum plans put on hold in UK
The UK referendum on the EU constitution is to be put on hold, it has been announced. Foreign Secretary Jack Straw told the House of Commons today that it would not be “sensible” to set a date for a referendum. However, he said that the situation would be kept under review.
02 June 2005
Dutch reject EU constitution
Dutch voters have rejected the EU constitution, the second defeat for the proposed treaty in a week. According to unofficial results, over 60% of voters in the Netherlands referendum voted against the constitution. The result follows the devastating result in France at the weekend, when around 55% of the voters rejected the treaty.
Dutch reject EU constitution
Dutch voters have rejected the EU constitution, the second defeat for the proposed treaty in a week. According to unofficial results, over 60% of voters in the Netherlands referendum voted against the constitution. The result follows the devastating result in France at the weekend, when around 55% of the voters rejected the treaty.
14 December 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.
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.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Cloudy with longer spells of rain during the morning, this rain heavy at times. Generally brighter in the afternoon, but with scattered and at times heavy showers. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A mainly dry evening and night with isolated showers dying out and some longer clear spells. Then it will cloud over towards morning with some heavy showers. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
