MPs to debate EU treaty vote

The House of Commons debate and vote on whether to hold a referendum on the EU treaty will take place later today.

The Conservatives are calling for the electorate to be allowed their say on the Lisbon Treaty but Labour MPs have been told to oppose it.

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg has told his MPs to abstain.

The Conservative bid is backed by the SNP and Plaid Cymru in the Commons along with some Lib Dem and Labour MPs.

The Conservatives argue that the treaty amounts to an EU constitution. They say the major parties should honour their election promises to hold a referendum on the constitution but the government says the treaty is very different.

Wednesday's vote in the House of Commons is seen as the key stage in the progress of the treaty through Parliament.

The Lisbon Treaty would bring a number of changes to the EU, including the removal of national vetoes in a number of areas.

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