Lisbon Treaty — Referendum on Britain's membership of the European Union — rejected — 20 May 2008 at 22:05
The majority Not-Contents rejected an amendment[1] to the European Union (Amendment) Bill. This would have ensured that within 6 months of the Bill receiving Royal Assent (i.e. becoming law), a referendum would be held to determine whether Britain should remain in the European Union. However, the amendment was defeated.
The European Union (Amendment) Bill implements the Lisbon Treaty into UK law. The main aims of the Lisbon Treaty were to[2]:
- Streamline EU institutions
- Establish a permanent President of the European Council (as of 16 March 2010 held by Herman Van Rompuy)
- Establish the post of High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (as of 16 March 2010 held by Catherine Ashton)
- Give new powers to the EU over justice and home affairs
- Remove the national veto in some areas such as energy security and emergency aid
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- [1] Lord Pearson of Rannoch, House of Lords, 20 May 2008
- [2] BBC News Q&A: The Lisbon Treaty, 5 February 2010
All Votes Cast - sorted by party
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