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David Cameron was hit with a backlash today over moves to ditch holding a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty if the Tories win power.
A senior Tory MP warned him that his honour and trustworthiness was on the line over his party's Europe policy.
The Tory leader gave a “cast-iron guarantee” two years ago that the Conservatives would order a poll on the treaty if they were in government.
The Lisbon Treaty overcame a further hurdle this morning when the Czech constitutional court ruled it was fully in line with the Czech constitution.
Faced with all EU 27 nations ratifying it within days as Czech president Vaclav Klaus appeared to give up his battle against it, Mr Cameron failed to repeat the pledge yesterday.
“What I've said is we want to hold that referendum on the Lisbon Treaty but it seems we are getting close to a point where that treaty is
no longer going to be a treaty, but will be part of European law,” he said.
“We've always said, as and when that happens, we will address immediately what we will do to ensure that we are good to our promise.”
Instead of a referendum, the Tories are expected to seek the repatriation of some powers, such as social and employment policy, from Brussels. But some Tory backbenchers are angry at Mr Cameron's
backtracking.
Veteran MP Richard Shepherd said: “It's a matter of principle, honour and trust. The political class seems indifferent to allowing the people to express their own view on something as profound as the development of Europe.”
Right-wing think tank The Bruges Group warned failing to hold a referendum would make Tory policy on Europe “utterly unconvincing”.
It added: “What is the point in David Cameron upending one pledge on Europe, but promising he'll offer us yet more European promises in his general election manifesto? Why will they be any more credible than the “cast-iron guarantee” he has just broken?”
Mr Cameron could argue that he made his pledge in 2007 when Gordon Brown was considering a snap election.
Leading Eurosceptic Bill Cash MP said: “We need a full referendum on Lisbon as we were promised and as we voted in the Commons. No ifs or buts.”
Reader views (19)
It seems that Mr Cameron is the new John Major, lots of hot air about Europe but somebody who will roll over and play dead. The Eurosceptics had better get a promise written in blood or Cameron will take us into the Euro, as soon as he is safely in No 10.
- D Dare, Kenton England, 04/11/2009 12:00
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Millions of citizens across the EU and Britain now effectively ruled by Dictators.
Virtually nobody got to vote. And those that did get a say had to vote again until they got the 'right' answer.
It won't be long now before we hear the drum beat for the abolition of the pound.
Corrupt politicians pretending to care about the wishes of the people have stolen our country.
What exactly was World War II for?
- Stephen Floyd, Berkshire, 03/11/2009 18:36
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If we are going to be ruled by the EU, it is time to abolish all the governments, of all 27 member states, after all they are no longer necessary.
- P Staker, London, 03/11/2009 16:14
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Shame on you Mr. Cameron and Mr. Hague! You are well on the way to losing the next Election over this. The British people deserve a say regardless of whether this becomes law. I thought the Conservative Party was democratic, honest and fought for liberty. We want our voices heard on something as important as who governs us, even if the Treaty is eventually ratified. I for one don't want to be ruled by a Federal State. Why haven't you been fighting this harder and speaking out about the Treaty - shouting about it for all to see, rallies included. You namby pamby around every issue, and this is one the public aren't taking lightly. Either you are both weak, enjoying jollies at Ashcroft's expense or are just seeing a glimmer of power for yourselves in Brussels. Terrible times for the Party, for history and for the the country.
- Furious Conservative, UK, 03/11/2009 15:46
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If this is how we're been treated now just imagine what it's going to be like in the next 5 years when the EU is in full dictatorial force?
- Stephen, London, 03/11/2009 15:17
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Anil Chatterjee said "Bring back Margaret Thatcher."
She is the reason why we are now in such a mess over Europe. Despite all her bluster she was a prime mover in betraying the UK when we moved from a Common Market/EEC into the political European Union.
- Mark, South-East London, 03/11/2009 14:34
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It appears Santas brother Vaclav Klaus has come early this year!!
Cameron could offer a referendum on whether we should remain in europe - before Gordon does?
David Cameron is turning into the Stan Laurel of politics "Thats another fine mess his got himself into.."
On Sunday a TV interview with a tory on Sunday was ridiculas where no answer could be given for when the treaty had been signed talk about living in fantasy land fact is they just cant bring themselves to admitting they cant do anything because the tory party would split on this issue and the tears are beginning to show..
- Melvyn Windebank, Canvey Island, Essex, 03/11/2009 13:55
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Even if the Treaty has been ratified, the British people should still have a Referendum to show their views on something which is very important to us. Our voice needs to be heard. If we don't get one, it will just demonstrate to many of us that the Cameron/Osbornesque clique doesn't give a damn about democracy.
- Robert John H., London, UK, 03/11/2009 13:20
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So Nulabour are unelectable and Cameron is making damn sure he will be unelectable. UKIP and BNP will reap the benefits.
- Roger, Devon, 03/11/2009 13:15
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This makes absolute sense. A referendum prior to full ratification is one thing - there is a practical chance of stopping it. A referendum once all 27 countries have ratified it is a recipe for disaster. We are where we are - now let's stop the EU superstate machine from employing its usual tactic of saying "this is it - no further" waiting a year, and then pushing on with the next step (directly elected President maybe). Cameron also needs to be careful on Europe - many in the liberal media hate the prospect of a Tory government and are looking for a chink in the armour. Europe is seen as the Tories' achilles heel - something that will always divide and weaken them - so they are keen to exploit the differences. With Lisbon gone the liberal left may well start pushing Cameron for a referendum on membership - knowing that will bring out the divisions. Again, Cameron will be wise to avoid engaging as he cannot campaign for either side (if we want out we should negotiate in secret - get a deal - and then put it to the poll). Don't expect the noise on this to stop - the left sense a Tory weakness here.
- Milton-Not-Keynes, London, 03/11/2009 13:04
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Yet another example of a leading politician who talks the talk about such themes as "addressing the democratic deficit" and the need to "reconnect with the voters", but is suddenly incapacitated when it comes to walking the walk across some bumpy terrain.
Looks like I'll be voting for UKIP
- John C, Leatherhead, UK, 03/11/2009 13:01
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Anon, William Hague's no better. He's shadow Foreign Minister. If the E.U. Constitution (aka Lisbon Treaty) should be in place when Cameron or some other party leader takes over, that person will be for all intents and purposes equivalent to a provincial premier (Canada) or a state governor (U.S.). The British people have to accept that the E.U. Constitution creates a federal state and will change what they consider to be their 'country'. You can't have a country made up of countries. That's a non-sequitur. The E.U. becomes clothed with a President, a Foreign Minister (called a High Representative because of Labour's queasiness), and legal personality (the right to sign documents in its own name rather than as a representative of the 'Member States'). That is to anyone involved in international law a 'country'. Federal states have a central gov't such as the ones based at Washington DC or Ottawa, and state/provincial governments. In the same way that Ohio and Ontario are not countries, the U.K. ceases to be a country once the E.U. Constitution (Lisbon Treaty) comes into effect. Of course, the BBC correspondents and the politicians will continue to refer to the U.K. as a country, but the reality will be somewhere else. When another generation has passed and the young people now are used to looking at E.U. daily involvement for many years, the word 'country' in regard to the U.K. will slowly disappear from use.
- Phil Jones, London UK, 03/11/2009 12:48
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I just can't believe that the Conservative MPs have been so quiet about the Lisbon Treaty up until now. It's a disgrace. David Cameron should have been opposing this all along and he's let down so many Tory voters. Most of us just don't want to be part of a European Super State, run by morally bankrupt officials. What on earth are the benefits to this?
Many people in this country had grandparents and great grandparents who died in the First and Second World wars to make sure we were a free country - governed by our own political system. Blair came along and has done everything possible to destroy our freedom and everything they died for. Furthermore, Brown, Blair and other members of the Labour administration also have blood on their hands over the war in Iraq. How dare they impose their will on a European State. They are traitors.
Europe is completely open to abuse from power-hungry bureaucrats who care nothing for their own people other than having power over them. Any MPs agreeing to this Treaty are clearly traitors to the countries they serve.
I can see that Mr Cameron is in a very difficult position, but there must and has to be a Referendum. He needs to draw on all his strength and show the people of this country and other countries that we should only govern ourselves, not give our freedoms away to Brussels. This will win him huge support from the UK and other countries. Democracy needs protecting, not given away. Tinkering with laws means nothing.
- Cassandra, UK, 03/11/2009 12:46
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The fact was he was never going to be able to do this and this was just one of the many things he will have to rethink when he becomes the next PM.
- Mike M, Bedford England, 03/11/2009 12:43
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Anyone more cynical that me might ask, "How much is Brown paying Cameron to lose the General Election next year?"
It just goes to show that politicians of any pursuasion cannot be trusted.
Bring back Margaret Thatcher.
- Anil Chatterjee, Manchester, 03/11/2009 12:38
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What do you expect,Cameron is a politician,thus telling the trueth is never going to happen.There goes the British pound.
- Dave, london, 03/11/2009 12:36
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Why hold a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty if Gormless Frown has already signed us up to it? That would be a waste of time and money.
The better question is: should the UK withdraw from the EU?
Discuss.
- Nobby Clark, Perth, the Scottish one, 03/11/2009 12:30
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What's the point? The Czech court has ruled in its favour. It will be signed next week. It's done and dusted, no matter how loud Eurosceptics squawk. What choice does Cameron have? He will simply have to work with it as Prime Minister come June 2010, and most likely accepted this as reality ages ago.
- David, N10, 03/11/2009 12:10
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there's something about cameron i don't trust too smarmy bring back William Haig
- Anon, leicestershire, 03/11/2009 11:43
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