04/11/2009
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.
The treaty, designed to accommodate a growing union, has already been rubber stamped by the Labour government.
Mr Cameron had publicly promised to repeal the UK's accession, should his party come to power at the next election.
However, such a move would prove incredibly difficult, given that the treaty becomes law once signed by all EU members.
Until now the Conservatives refused to be drawn on their strategy if full ratification occurred before a general election.
Today Mr Cameron squarely pointed his attention at the government, which he said "has completely let people down".
Dismissing suggestions the party was split on the stand-down, Mr Cameron said: "The party actually wants us to have a fresh approach in Europe."
He added: "Above all the vote that we need is a vote to get rid of a government."
Prime Minister Gordon Brown said Mr Cameron had "devalued" his own policy on Europe.
David Blunkett, former Labour Home Secretary said the Tory leader's commitment had now "turned to plywood".
(PR/BMcC)
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.
The treaty, designed to accommodate a growing union, has already been rubber stamped by the Labour government.
Mr Cameron had publicly promised to repeal the UK's accession, should his party come to power at the next election.
However, such a move would prove incredibly difficult, given that the treaty becomes law once signed by all EU members.
Until now the Conservatives refused to be drawn on their strategy if full ratification occurred before a general election.
Today Mr Cameron squarely pointed his attention at the government, which he said "has completely let people down".
Dismissing suggestions the party was split on the stand-down, Mr Cameron said: "The party actually wants us to have a fresh approach in Europe."
He added: "Above all the vote that we need is a vote to get rid of a government."
Prime Minister Gordon Brown said Mr Cameron had "devalued" his own policy on Europe.
David Blunkett, former Labour Home Secretary said the Tory leader's commitment had now "turned to plywood".
(PR/BMcC)
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