Wheeler loses EU treaty poll bid

Millionaire tycoon Stuart Wheeler has lost his High Court battle to force a UK referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. Mr Wheeler argued that a referendum was promised in Labour's 2005 manifesto and "fair play" means it should be held. Prime Minister Gordon Brown says the treaty does not have the constitutional implications to merit a referendum. Parliament has effectively ratified the EU's reform treaty after a bill bringing it into UK law was given Royal Assent last week. National veto The Lisbon Treaty aims to streamline the decision making of an enlarged European Union but critics say it will transfer more power to unelected officials in Brussels. It includes removal of the national veto in more policy areas, a new president of the European Council and a strengthened foreign affairs post. It was drawn up to replace the EU... [read full story]