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.
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 January 2005
Foreign Secretary urges Britain to say 'Yes' to EU treaty
Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, has urged the British public to approve the new EU Constitutional Treaty. The government have published a Bill to make the new treaty part of UK law, subject to the British people voting 'yes' in a referendum.
Foreign Secretary urges Britain to say 'Yes' to EU treaty
Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, has urged the British public to approve the new EU Constitutional Treaty. The government have published a Bill to make the new treaty part of UK law, subject to the British people voting 'yes' in a referendum.
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.
22 January 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".
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".
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 WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
