Lisbon Referendum in the UK?

[David Cochrane]

This morning businessman Stuart Wheeler was granted a judicial review of the Government's decision to not hold a referendum on the EU Constitution, despite a promise in labour's 2005 manifesto to hold a referendum.

Reflecting on the Government's claim that the Lisbon Treaty is completely different to the rejected EU Constitution, the Hon. Mr Justice Owen noted in his argument that "it is plainly arguable that there is no material difference between their provisions".

The House of Lords is due to vote on the Lisbon Treaty on June 11th - one day before the Irish people vote.

More from BBC News.

[seabhcan]

Wheeler could be the UK's Crotty... if only the UK had a constitution to uphold.

[comnet]

I guess they would be afraid that the British people would reject it. There at least you wouldn't have all the government behaving like lemmings in advocating a "yes" vote!

[fergalr]

Manifestos aren't legally binding.

[seabhcan]

I guess they would be afraid that the British people would reject it. There at least you wouldn't have all the government behaving like lemmings in advocating a "yes" vote!

Having lived there I know they would reject it. They'd reject any question put to them.

[fergalr]

<Sigh> Imagine Parliament ratifying an international treaty... tyranny, tyranny!!!

[seabhcan]

What a pity that democracy has to be prised from the death grip of so many so-called democrats.

"Democracy" is a bit of a stretch for describing the UK, especially considering the PM can bypass parliament and enact any law by decree through an "Order-in-Council".

The UK is a kind of consultative dictatorship.

[fergalr]

Ah, come off it, seabhcan.

[seabhcan]

Ah, come off it, seabhcan.

Seriously. They don't have a constitution. The PM can, and does, pass any law he likes.

The last time an Order-in-council was used was in 2005 to overturn a High court judgement the gov didn't like.

[seabhcan]

<Sigh> Imagine Parliament ratifying an international treaty... tyranny, tyranny!!!

"Reflecting on the Government's claim that the Lisbon Treaty is completely different to the rejected EU Constitution, the Hon. Mr Justice Owen noted in his argument that "it is plainly arguable that there is no material difference between their provisions"."

Clearly Lisbon is not just another international treaty, at least the judge doesn't think so.

Thats not clear from the quote at all. Maybe the judge thinks the original constitution to be a treaty too. He just said it wasn't different from Lisbon.