Brussels, 22/01/2008 (Agence Europe) - Parliamentary ratification of the Lisbon Treaty in the United Kingdom reached an important first stage on Monday 21 January, despite growing pressure from within Labour ranks under Gordon Brown in favour of a referendum (EUROPE 9584). On Monday afternoon, after five hours of discussion, British parliamentarians voted (362 in favour, 224 against including 19 Labour members) in favour of a second reading of the treaty in the Commons. This is expected to...