EU: David Cameron hints Tories would not hold referendum on ratified Lisbon Treaty

David Cameron has hinted that a Conservative Government would not hold a referendum on the European Union’s Lisbon Treaty if it is ratified by all EU members.

By James Kirkup, Political Correspondent
Published: 11:58AM BST 30 Sep 2009


Mr Cameron is in a political quandary over his pledge to hold a British vote on the treaty. Photo: PA

The Tory leader’s aides insisted his policy has not changed, but Mr Cameron's language could antagonise eurosceptic Tories who want a popular vote on the document whether or not it has taken legal force.

Mr Cameron spoke as Irish voters prepare for their referendum on the Treaty on Friday, with polls pointing to a Yes.

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Mr Cameron is in a political quandary over his pledge to hold a British vote on the treaty.

It has now been ratified by 23 of the 27 EU states, including the UK.

Ireland, Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic have not endorsed it yet, but are likely to do so before the British general election next year.

In that case, a new Tory government would have to decide whether to hold a British referendum on a ratified treaty, something that other EU leaders say would effectively be an in-or-out choice on Britain’s entire EU membership.

Mr Cameron has repeatedly refused to say what he will do if he comes to power with the treaty ratified, saying only that he will “not let matters rest.â€