David Cameron in a pickle over the Lisbon Treaty
Despite a promise to give UK voters in a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, the yes vote in Ireland and the expectation that the treaty will be ratified in the short to medium term (prior to the election) has put David Cameron in something of a difficult situation. Despite making a referendum a central part of his campaign policy over the last few years, it would appear that his hands are tied at this moment in time because to all intents and purposes it will be a done deal before the next election. So what can he do?
Despite pressure from inside the Tory party to announce a referendum or at least a discussion with UK voters regarding the Lisbon Treaty, David Cameron has been unwilling to commit himself over the last 24 hours. While possibly looking at the legal issues and legal implications of a UK referendum, after the UK government has ratified the treaty, there is no doubt that the Labour Party will use this issue to expose David Cameron in whatever way they can.
Even though the Conservative party has for some time held the upper ground regarding Europe with UK voters, this will be the first of many significant tests for the potential prime minister in waiting.
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