Cameron: Time running out on Lisbon

By Ian Dunt Skip related content

David Cameron has admitted his chances of stopping the Lisbon treaty have reduced significantly after the Czech courts today said the government could ratify it. Eurosceptics across the continent had their eyes on the Czech Republic today as its constitutional court decided whether it breached national sovereignty. A group of 17 Czech senators had sought to block the treaty by claiming it was unconstitutional. Now their claims have been dismissed eurosceptic president Vaclav Klaus is expected to ratify Lisbon. His is the only signature remaining among the European Union's 27 member states, all of which are required for the treaty to come into effect. Mr Klaus has already indicated he will sign the treaty, despite being opposed to it. He had negotiated an opt-out of the Charter of Fundamental Rights which Sweden, which holds the EU's rotating presidency, accepted at last week's meeting of leaders in Brussels. With the Lisbon treaty now likely to come into effect as planned from January 1st 2010 Mr Cameron faces a potentially divisive policy question. The Tory leader had previously only committed himself to a referendum if the treaty had not been fully ratified across Europe. "I of course hope he doesn't sign the treaty but I suspect time is running out," Mr Cameron told LBC radio. He confirmed he would decide later this week what the party would do if the treaty becomes law, which is now expected to happen shortly. Observers have suggested the party is secretly pleased the referendum will not take place, with Tory strategists thought to be concerned a referendum could dig up old scars in a party which has been torn apart by the issue of Europe before.