Wheeler to appeal over referendum

by Dave Keating | June 25, 2008 at 01:35 am

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The millionaire Stuart Wheeler's Quixotic quest to force a referendum on the Lisbon reform treaty has been dealt a blow today as the High Court has rejected his legal challenge. His argument is that because the Labour government promised a referendum on a different EU agreement, the constitution of 2005, the public is owed a vote on the reform treaty of 2008.

Millionaire tycoon Stuart Wheeler says he will appeal against a High Court decision to oppose his bid for a UK referendum on the Lisbon Treaty.

Two judges rejected the Tory donor's claim that there was a "legitimate expectation" of a public vote.

The expectation arose after Labour's 2005 manifesto promised a referendum on the failed EU Constitution, he said.

Europe Minister Jim Murphy said he was pleased the judges "have come down very clearly on the side of the government".

The judicial review application was dismissed by Lord Justice Richards and Mr Justice Mackay at the High Court.