Britain has officially ratified the controversial Lisbon Treaty, it was announced today. The Government confirmed that the final stages of passing the agreement have been completed. But the future of the deal is still in doubt as EU leaders consider how to respond to Ireland's surprise referendum "no" vote last month. Under the UK's ratification process, both houses of Parliament must pass the treaty. The Queen then gives Royal Assent, and signs goatskin "instruments of ratification" along with the Foreign Secretary.
Britain has officially ratified the controversial Lisbon Treaty, it was announced today.
The Government confirmed that the final stages of passing the agreement have been completed.
But the future of the deal is still in doubt as EU leaders consider how to respond to Ireland's surprise referendum "no" vote last month.
Under the UK's ratification process, both houses of Parliament must pass the treaty.
The Queen then gives Royal Assent, and signs goatskin "instruments of ratification" along with the Foreign Secretary.
Britain has formally ratified the European Union's Treaty of Lisbon, the country's Foreign Ministry said in London. The beleaguered treaty's future is still in doubt after Irish voters rejected it last month. Both houses of the British parliament as well as the head of state Queen Elizabeth II gave the nod to the reform treaty. All steps for the final ratification were taken and the documents were deposited in Rome, where the 1957 Treaty of Rome for the founding the European Economic Community was signed. Britain was considered a "swing candidate" as far as ratification went. After Ireland rejected the reform treaty in a referendum on June 12, there were calls among euroskeptics in Britain as well for a referendum on the issue. The Lisbon Treaty, which is designed to streamline decision-making in the expanding bloc, was thrown into limbo after Irish voters rejected it in a referendum on June 12.
Both houses of the British parliament as well as the head of state Queen Elizabeth II gave the nod to the reform treaty.
All steps for the final ratification were taken and the documents were deposited in Rome, where the 1957 Treaty of Rome for the founding the European Economic Community was signed.
Britain was considered a "swing candidate" as far as ratification went. After Ireland rejected the reform treaty in a referendum on June 12, there were calls among euroskeptics in Britain as well for a referendum on the issue.
The Lisbon Treaty, which is designed to streamline decision-making in the expanding bloc, was thrown into limbo after Irish voters rejected it in a referendum on June 12.
Sarko can say what he like, Lisbon is in deep shit and requires more than wishful thinking to repair. keep to the Fen Causeway
