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22/10/2007
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.
Mr Brown has said that the treaty does not have the constitutional significance of the document on which former Prime Minister Tony Blair promised a referendum would be held.
However, the Tories have argued that the treaty is almost identical to the former document, which was rejected by voters in both France and Denmark in 2005.
Mr Brown and his ministers are planning a line-by-line debate on the treaty, a process which is expected to take up to three months.
The treaty is due to be formally signed in December.
The Conservatives are hoping to inflict a defeat on Mr Brown over the referendum, but this is looking unlikely, as they would need the support of both the Liberal Democrats and Labour rebels.
Nick Clegg and Chris Huhne, both contenders in the Liberal Democrat leadership contest, have both said that they would not support calls for a referendum.
The EU Reform Treaty has to be ratified by all 27 EU states by 2009 in order for it to come into effect.
So far, Ireland is the only country which has said that it will hold a referendum, while other countries are planning to ratify the treaty through their national parliaments.
(KMcA)
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.
Mr Brown has said that the treaty does not have the constitutional significance of the document on which former Prime Minister Tony Blair promised a referendum would be held.
However, the Tories have argued that the treaty is almost identical to the former document, which was rejected by voters in both France and Denmark in 2005.
Mr Brown and his ministers are planning a line-by-line debate on the treaty, a process which is expected to take up to three months.
The treaty is due to be formally signed in December.
The Conservatives are hoping to inflict a defeat on Mr Brown over the referendum, but this is looking unlikely, as they would need the support of both the Liberal Democrats and Labour rebels.
Nick Clegg and Chris Huhne, both contenders in the Liberal Democrat leadership contest, have both said that they would not support calls for a referendum.
The EU Reform Treaty has to be ratified by all 27 EU states by 2009 in order for it to come into effect.
So far, Ireland is the only country which has said that it will hold a referendum, while other countries are planning to ratify the treaty through their national parliaments.
(KMcA)
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EU referendum plans put on hold in UK
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28 October 2009
Brown To Canvass For Blair
Prime Minister Gordon Brown is expected to formally put his weight behind predecessor Tony Blair's bid for the EU presidential office, according to reports. Mr Brown will lobby on behalf of his New Labour ally, who appears to be a forerunner for the first permanent Brussels role, created under the Lisbon Treaty.
Brown To Canvass For Blair
Prime Minister Gordon Brown is expected to formally put his weight behind predecessor Tony Blair's bid for the EU presidential office, according to reports. Mr Brown will lobby on behalf of his New Labour ally, who appears to be a forerunner for the first permanent Brussels role, created under the Lisbon Treaty.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
