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Treaty of Lisbon (No. 2)

My right hon. Friend makes a serious point. The UK could refuse to abide by the article and break what is described as the ““spirit of solidarity””. However, if the member state that requires assistance decides to take the matter to the European Court of Justice, which rules in its favour, the Council is obliged, under the article, to comply with the ruling. That would tie the UK in knots. Perhaps the UK wishes to abide by those rules, but it is unacceptable for the Government to bind the British people into such articles without first putting them to the public vote. To do otherwise is political cowardice and a breach of trust, given the Labour party's manifesto commitment.