Lisbon Treaty Ratification to Proceed in Britain

The High Court in London has rejected a lawsuit that sought to block Britain’s ratification of the Lisbon Treaty.

The treaty was defeated in a referendum in Ireland earlier this month.

A businessman had brought the case to try to force the British government to block ratification claiming there was a ‘legitimate expectation’ of a public vote.

The High Court judge had called on the British government last Friday to delay the formal ratification until he had ruled on the legal challenge.

The treaty is in jeopardy after the Irish referendum defeat and must be adopted by all 27 EU members to take force.

Lisbon replaced an EU Constitution that was rejected by French and Dutch voters in 2005. Ireland has been the only country to allow its voters a say in a referendum.

The British government had promised a referendum on the EU Constitution before it was rejected by French and Dutch voters, but stated it did not need one on the Lisbon Treaty, parliament has now formally approved it for ratification.

After the June 12th vote, Britain stated that it stood by the principle that the treaty cannot come into force without Irish consent, but other EU members are still entitled to proceed with ratification.

Source:

http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/0625/eulisbon.html