The expectation is that the Czech Republic will ratify the Lisbon Treaty within days.  When this happens the Conservative Party need to be ready to state with some clarity where we stand on the European issue.  Will there be a retrospective referendum on Lisbon?  Will we re-examine our relationship with the EU in detail?

Last night an interesting post appeared on the Conservative Home site written by Tim Montgomerie.  I found it to be an interesting commentary on what could prove to be a more effective way of dealing with the ambitions of the anti-democratic EU elite than a difficult post ratification referendum on Lisbon.

As a former member of the Council of Business for Sterling in Wales and a member of Open Europe (who campaign for a more democratic and less centralised EU) I have always held strong views about the EU 'project' but have seen the option of voting for UKIP as nothing more than a desperate protest vote.  Will the proposals outlined within the Conservative Home site provide a policy on the EU which will both satisfy the need to reduce the influence of the european institutions whilst also keeping those who want a referendum on Lisbon on side?  I'm not sure but would appreciate your views.

Guto