EU Treaty referendum to face court challenge in UK

A millionaire businessman today won permission to launch a High Court challenge over the Government’s refusal to hold a referendum on the EU Reform Treaty (the Lisbon Treaty).

A millionaire businessman today won permission to launch a High Court challenge over the British government’s refusal to hold a referendum on the EU Reform Treaty (the Lisbon Treaty).

Stuart Wheeler, a major Conservative Party donor, claims that he had “a legitimate expectation” that Gordon Brown would hold a vote.

The government’s decision to “resile from their promise” should be declared unlawful, he said.

Mr Justice Owen, sitting at London’s High Court, ruled today that Mr Wheeler, 73 – who made more than £30m (€38.5m) from spread-betting firm IG Index – had “an arguable case” that should go to a full hearing.

He has raised £150,000 (€193,000) from 150 donors to pay for his High Court battle.