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 last at least 20 days. The text will then be put to the Lords (upper house of the British parliament). Britain's Foreign Minister David Miliband, who opened debates on Monday in Parliament, affirmed that the new EU ReformTreaty is “good for Great Britain and good for Europe” but does not contain any “fundamental constitutional change” that would justify a referendum.
In the meantime, on Tuesday 22 January, the French National Assembly set the timetable for adoption of the proposal for a law on ratifying the Lisbon Treaty. The bill will be presented to the ministerial council on 6 February before being examined during the afternoon by the foreign affairs committee and then, in the evening, by the deputies. The following day, 7 February, the text will be discussed and approved in Senate. On 4 February, the French Congress will be meeting in Versailles to endorse review of the French Constitution, prior to ratification of the treaty. (H.B.)