Judicial review - Government must stop ratification of Lisbon Treaty
02 May 2008
Press release: immediate
Judicial review - Government must stop ratification of Lisbon Treaty
Open Europe today calls on the Government to halt attempts to ratify the Lisbon Treaty without a referendum.
This morning Open Europe board member Stuart Wheeler was granted a judicial review of the Government’s decision to break its promise of a referendum.
Reflecting on the Government’s claim that the Lisbon Treaty is completely different to the rejected EU Constitution, the Hon. Mr Justice Owen noted in his argument that “it is plainly arguable that there is no material difference between their provisions.”
Open Europe Chairman Lord Leach said:
“This decision renders the Government’s attempt to ratify the Lisbon Treaty sub judice.”
“The Treaty is now in the House of Lords, where it is receiving the thorough scrutiny denied to MPs by the Government’s business managers in the Commons. The Government can - and should - now stay its hand pending the outcome of this judicial review.”
“I will be raising this matter urgently in the Lords, as will others. If the Government continues its effort to railroad the ratification Bill through without a referendum, in defiance of its promise to the electorate, voters will conclude that it is as contemptuous of the views of the people as it is of its own political integrity.”
Background
The judicial review will take place on 9 and 10 June, 2008. The Lords were due to vote on the referendum issue on 11 June and the Irish referendum is widely expected to take place on 12 June.
In the House of Lords the Liberal Democrats have said they will vote against a referendum, and will not support the “in or out” vote which Nick Clegg previously said the Liberal Democrats were in favour of in the Commons.
Notes for Editors
1) For more information call Neil O’Brien on 0207 197 2333 or 07973 142 775.