EU reform Bill passes its first hurdle
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Government comfortably won the first round of its gruelling battle over the European reform treaty last night, after facing angry accusations of betraying the voters.
David Miliband, the Foreign Secretary, had a foretaste of struggles ahead as rebel Labour backbenchers and Tory MPs demanded a referendum on the treaty signed by Gordon Brown and other EU leaders in Lisbon last month. The Bill ratifying the treaty passed its second reading by 362 votes to 224, a majority of 138. But the crucial vote, when critics try to force a referendum, is not expected until next month.
Twenty days of parliamentary time have been set aside for the Brown government's first major test of strength in Westminster. The Bill faces savage criticism both in the Commons and in the Lords.
Mr Miliband hailed the treaty as "good for Britain and good for Europe", and argued that a referendum was not needed because the accord did not propose fundamental constitutional changes. But the senior Labour MP Gwyneth Dunwoody retorted: "I think you may find yourself alone in that point of view."
William Hague, the shadow Foreign Secretary, accused the Government of "brazenly abrogating" Labour's commitment to hold a referendum. And he poured scorn on Mr Brown for allowing the contentious Bill to be introduced during his state visit to India.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments