Menu
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)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 April 2004
Blair welcomes EU expansion
The legacy of the Second World War and the Cold War will be erased when the EU expands to 25 countries on 1 May, the Prime Minister said today. Speaking 12 days before the accession to the EU of 10 new member states, Mr Blair said the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development played a "vital role" in the process.
Blair welcomes EU expansion
The legacy of the Second World War and the Cold War will be erased when the EU expands to 25 countries on 1 May, the Prime Minister said today. Speaking 12 days before the accession to the EU of 10 new member states, Mr Blair said the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development played a "vital role" in the process.
18 February 2011
Cameron Faces Clegg In AV Debate
Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg have launched their campaigns over the proposed Alternative Vote (AV) electoral system. Discussing his objections to AV, the Prime Minister said an unclear voting system would mean an unaccountable political system producing unfair outcomes.
Cameron Faces Clegg In AV Debate
Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg have launched their campaigns over the proposed Alternative Vote (AV) electoral system. Discussing his objections to AV, the Prime Minister said an unclear voting system would mean an unaccountable political system producing unfair outcomes.
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.
26 October 2009
Blair's Euro Bid Gains Support
Foreign Secretary David Miliband has voiced his support for Tony Blair's bid to take the reins of Europe. Mr Miliband said a Blair presidency would be "very good for Britain as well as very good for Europe".
Blair's Euro Bid Gains Support
Foreign Secretary David Miliband has voiced his support for Tony Blair's bid to take the reins of Europe. Mr Miliband said a Blair presidency would be "very good for Britain as well as very good for Europe".
22 October 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.
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.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
