Brown delays ratification of the Lisbon Treaty

At the suggestion of Lord Justice Richards, Gordon Brown has confirmed he’ll delay ratification of the Lisbon Treaty until after the result of Stuart Wheeler’s court case against the Government.  We should hear the verdict next week and, according to Brown, that “fits in with [the Government’s] timetable.”

However, Wheeler has since confirmed that he’ll most likely appeal should the High Court rule in the Government’s favour.  In theory, that should mean further delay for Brown & Co.  Watch this space.

P.S. An explanation for those puzzled by all the “UK ratifies Lisbon Treaty” headlines now Brown’s said he’ll delay ratification.  The bill to implement the Lisbon Treaty has passed successfully through the UK’s traditional ratification process – i.e. it’s got past Parliament and has been given Royal Assent.  However, in this case, there’s another step: the “instruments of ratification” need to be depositied in Rome.  That’s what Brown is holding back from doing.