Betrayal ... Brown broke promise The Czech Republic became the last EU nation to sign the Lisbon Treaty, which will now become law. Gordon Brown's Labour broke a promise to give 60million Britons a say on it. Now it's too late as we are dragged screaming into a vastly more powerful European Union yesterday. Today Tory leader David Cameron said: "We will make sure that this never, ever happens again. "Never again should it be possible for a British government to transfer power to the European Union without the say of the British people in a referendum." The last remaining opposition to the new EU constitution ended when Czech president Vaclav Klaus was forced to sign the Lisbon Treaty. His reluctant endorsement meant the document has been ratified by all 27 EU states and will become as good as LAW on December 1. Gordon Brown - a key element of a Labour Government that reneged on its promise to hold a referendum on the treaty - hailed the move as "an important and historic step for all of Europe". But millions of Britons - still smarting at being cheated out of having a say - felt we are not joining the Euro Champions League, but the CHUMPIONSLeague. Tory Shadow Foreign Secretary William Hague said: "We think it is a bad day for democracy." The Tories, who fought bitterly for eight years against a constitution, said they had been left with no option but to drop their campaign for a referendum. But leader David Cameron will today spell out a new attack plan to reform the treaty if he becomes PM. President Klaus held out against signing up for almost two years. But he was left with no choice after the Czech constitutional court threw out a complaint by senators who believe the treaty will destroy the nation's sovereignty. Klaus echoed the fears of many Britons after signing through gritted teeth. He said in Prague: "With the Lisbon Treaty taking effect, the Czech Republic will cease to be a sovereign state." The treaty will trigger a massive shift of power to Brussels. It will mean: EU judges deciding some of Britain's criminal laws. A POWERFUL new Euro president, foreign policy supremo and diplomatic service. UNIONS able to strike more easily under the Charter of Fundamental Rights, which could take us back to the dark days of 1970s industrial strife. NATIONAL vetoes being dumped in 16 key areas including transport, home affairs and energy policy. GREATER EU control over immigration and asylum seekers, including benefit entitlements. In the treaty's small print, national leaders are given the right to cede even MORE power to Europe without having to ask voters. Only Britain's most fundamental abilities to defend itself and set taxes is not affected by Lisbon, with our veto on defence and fiscal policy not affected. However, the new rules could pave the way for a European Army. We have been given limited opt-outs on some justice and home affairs issues. But critics fear they will be undermined. Despite the mass giveaway of cherished rights, Mr Brown backed the treaty's final endorsement. He said: "Today is a day when Europe looks forward, when it sets aside years of debate on its institutions and moves to take strong and collective action on the issues that matter most to European citizens - security, climate change, jobs and growth." The PM signed up in December 2007. And the treaty was officially ratified by Britain in June last year with a Commons vote enforced by a three-line Government whip. Mr Brown's predecessor Tony Blair, who wants to become the first EU president, promised a referendum in Labour's 2005 election manifesto. broad repatriation of powers, is essential." Europe's heads are expected to meet before the end of the month to dole out the EU's new top jobs. Mr Blair's hopes of making president are fading. But Foreign Secretary David Miliband could become the EU's foreign minister. Mr Miliband taunted Mr Cameron last night, saying: "His position on Europe is false and dangerous. He is willing to risk Britain's standing because he is still not prepared to stand up to the Right of his own party."
By WILLIAM HAGUE Shaow Foreign Secretary WE campaigned for a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty for many years - pleading for the British people to be consulted. Now that the treaty becomes European law, a referendum can no longer prevent it. We think it is a bad day for democracy. The British people have STILL not been consulted, despite Gordon Brown's promises. David Cameron will set out today how we will now go forth in European matters. By TREVOR KAVANAGH THE proposed EU Constitution will strip us of many of our freedoms. Political Editor Trevor Kavanagh answers the questions it raises and explains why the voters of Britain should be allowed to have their say on the issue. Q Tony Blair insists the constitution is simply a matter of "tidying up the loose ends" so why do we need a referendum? A The aim of the Treaty is to build a federal united states of Europe. It already has its flag, anthem, currency and capital (Brussels). Next it could have its own legal identity and president Q The PM suggests this is too complicated for UK voters. Is he right? A No. French ex-President Giscard d'Estaing, who is drafting the constitution, says it is essential everyone votes. Q Are we not already subject to European laws? A Yes, but the treaty will widen and deepen the authority of Brussels over Westminster.
THE last hope of blocking a new European constitution was snuffed out last night - the final kick in the teeth after Labour's betrayal of Britain.
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Thursday 5 November 2009
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