PRO-DEMOCRACY CAMPAIGNERS RALLY BEHIND HIGH COURT CHALLENGE
(Circulation: Campaign for an Independent Britain supporters and Petition signatories.)
The cross-party Campaign for an Independent Britain believes that the Government’s refusal to hold a referendum on the Treaty of Lisbon – the revised EU Constitution – is profoundly undemocratic and a breach of faith with the electorate, in light of the election manifesto commitment made by the Labour Party (and all the other major parties) in 2005.
On Tuesday 22 April the High Court in London will hear an application by businessman Stuart Wheeler for a judicial review of the Government’s decision to refuse a referendum. Mr Wheeler’s case is that the Government’s failure to honour its manifesto commitment is unlawful and in breach of a 'legitimate expectation' that a referendum would be held, the Labour Party having made an 'unequivocal promise to put the Treaty to the British people in a referendum' The defendants in the case are the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, and his Foreign Secretary, David Milliband.
The High Court challenge is supported by a broad coalition of pro-democracy organisations.
Andy Smith of the Campaign for an Independent Britain said: 'We are calling on all those who care about British sovereignty, freedom and democracy to support Stuart Wheeler’s challenge to the Government over the Treaty of Lisbon. The British people are being denied the right to have a say on a Treaty that has far-reaching implications for the future of the United Kingdom. Stuart Wheeler is to be congratulated for having the courage of his convictions and we hope that he succeeds in his application for a judicial review, which may well prove our last chance to stop this iniquitous Lisbon Treaty.'
Simon Richards of The Freedom Association added: 'The British people, denied the referendum we were promised by the Labour Party at the last general election, owe Stuart Wheeler an immense debt of gratitude for challenging the Government in the courts on this critically important constitutional issue.'
John Gouriet of Defenders of the Realm said: 'I would encourage everyone who values liberty to support our case, heroically fronted by Stuart Wheeler. It is rapidly becoming hugely expensive and every effort must be made to offset the costs, but the issue is so vital we must not and will not be deterred. Please come along to the High Court in the Strand on 22 April to show your support. Hopefully public opinion will win the day against arrogant and duplicitous politicians who have abused their authority in the surrender of our nation to the EU.'
Contributions towards the legal costs are sought. Those wishing to support the Appeal should send their donations to: 'Stuart Wheeler Lisbon Litigation Account', 21 Davies Street, London W1K 3DE. Stuart Wheeler’s website is
LISBON TREATY LITIGATION
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