Referendum Judicial Review Granted
This morning Stuart Wheeler was granted a judicial review of the Government’s decision to break its promise of a referendum on the EU Constitution.
Reflecting on the Government’s claim that the Lisbon Treaty is completely different to the rejected EU Constitution, the Hon. Mr Justice Owen noted in his argument that “it is plainly arguable that there is no material difference between their provisions”.
Open Europe Chairman Lord Leach has said: “This decision renders the Government’s attempt to ratify the Lisbon Treaty sub judice. The Treaty is now in the House of Lords, where it is receiving the thorough scrutiny denied to MPs by the Government’s business managers in the Commons. The Government can - and should - now stay its hand pending the outcome of this judicial review.”
The judicial review will take place on 9 and 10 June. The Lords are due to vote on the referendum issue on 11 June and the Irish referendum is widely expected to take place on 12 June.
A comment from Global Vision’s Ruth Lea: on Conservative Home
“It is quite clear that the Lisbon Treaty is in, all but name, the same as the Constitution and we welcome the Hon Mr Justice Owen’s judgement that ‘it is plainly arguable that there is no material difference between their provisions’. Gordon Brown fought the 2005 General Election on a referendum on the Constitution, and we should have a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. The British people deserve no less.
From Mr Wheelers Web Site
I am delighted to say that in his judgement delivered at the High Court this morning Mr Justice Owen decided that permission to apply for judicial review would be granted to me. In other words the result of the hearing last week is that we won. I expect to put more information on this website shortly.
Although I am the person bringing the action it is, in effect, on behalf of all those of us - well over half the population - who want our say in a referendum. There are, I believe, two reasons why there should be a referendum:
The Labour Party, as well as the other two main parties, made an unambiguous promise that they would call one. They should keep that promise.
The Treaty is immensely important and so, irrespective of whether you think it should be ratified or not, you should be allowed a vote on it.
Mr Wheeler is asking for contribution to his fighting fund:
The legal case is enormously expensive and I need help to pursue it. I am very grateful indeed for those who have already given me financial support. If you would like to help please make cheques payable to Stuart Wheeler Lisbon Litigation Account and send them to me with this contribution form.
