The UK has officially ratified the Lisbon Treaty. Conservative Group for Europe Chairman Ian Taylor MP welcomed the move, stating:

'I wholeheartedly support the UK’s decision to ratify the Lisbon Treaty. The move draws the process of Parliamentary scrutiny to its logical conclusion and should be welcomed by proponents of Parliamentary sovereignty as well as supporters of the Treaty itself.

The coming into force of the Treaty in the EU may be uncertain following the 'No' vote in the Irish referendum, but its spirit lives on. The majority of Member-States recognise the need for reform of the EU’s institutions and for the EU to be able to address more effectively some of the big challenges we all now face. There are also still countries which wish to join. Whilst the EU must get on with other business, the EU French Presidency will need to find a way through the treaty impasse in discussion with the Irish.'