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[Cloud]

Originally Posted by Le Stu

I'm confused by the Conservative's strategy here. The chance of a referendum on the treaty of Lisbon became zero as soon as Brown signed it, right? So, their 'iron-clad guarantee' of a referendum on Lisbon was just pure nonsense.

They still had the ability to back out as long as it didn't pass into law - which, in theory, the UK can still pull out before December 1st. In all reality, the UK can pull out any time they like - the problem is that now, it becomes a question of EU membership or not, whereas before, it was simply a question of yay or nay to Lisbon. If Lisbon does pass into law, then it would seem that the EU are in a much stronger bargaining position with the UK - whereas before, the UK could easily have blackmailed the EU into giving them virtually everything they wanted due to the Nice limit of 27 countries.

This is a massive own goal. I presume that they will now start backtracking and propose some non-binding referendum on repatriation of certain powers to Westminster... how the fuck did they end up on the back foot on this issue?

Beats me, I wouldn't be surprised if it ended up costing them an outright victory in the next election. Middle England is undoubtably enraged by their about-turn and UKIP will benefit. I wouldn't be surprised to see massive gains from fringe parties at the next election now - it's clearly obvious that neither Labour nor the Conservatives are willing to hold a referendum on EU membership.

As for Poland - Kaczynski proved he has no bottle whatsoever by signing the treaty. If he had stuck to his guns and refused to sign as was his right to do so - then he might've just won some respect from a nation that pretty much hates him.

[aberdoom.com]

For those who were intrigued by what this is heres a summary, quoted from wikipaedia.

What is it?
It is designed to change the workings of the European Union

How does it accomplish this?

Prominent changes included:

1. More qualified majority voting in the Council of Ministers
2. Increased involvement of the European Parliament in the legislative process through extended codecision with the Council of Ministers
3. Eliminating the pillar system
4. Creation of a President of the European Council with a term of two and a half years and a High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to present a united position on EU policies.
5. The Treaty of Lisbon will also make the Union's human rights charter, the Charter of Fundamental Rights, legally binding.

More information
Treaty of Lisbon - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
EUROPA - Treaty of Lisbon - Full text of the Treaty

[Le Stu]

Smooth bastards kind of smoothed this over, actually. Smoothly, I might add.

[Sam L4]

Originally Posted by Adam Easy Wishes

But what does Poland think?

Poland has spoken.

[Graham Knight]

Read Simon Heffer's irate email to Daily Telegraph staff | Media | guardian.co.uk

The use of correct engrish is an ongoing issue at the Telegraph, apparently.

Read Simon Heffer's irate email to Daily Telegraph staff | Media | guardian.co.uk

What an amazing rant.

I have never liked his articles and he annoys me when he appears on TV.

I don't like a comma before an and
I also would never use a comma before the word but

[ca_gere]

Originally Posted by Graham Knight

Read Simon Heffer's irate email to Daily Telegraph staff | Media | guardian.co.uk

The use of correct engrish is an ongoing issue at the Telegraph, apparently.

Read Simon Heffer's irate email to Daily Telegraph staff | Media | guardian.co.uk

What an amazing rant.

I have never liked his articles and he annoys me when he appears on TV.

I don't like a comma before an and
I also would never use a comma before the word but

Great piece. I can't believe how basic some of those errors are. He doesn't even come across as condescending, just passionate about his work. cheers for the link.