Britain ratifies Lisbon and sends treaty to Rome
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Britain has officially ratified the controversial Lisbon Treaty.
The British government confirmed that the final stages of passing the agreement had been completed.
But the future of the deal is still in doubt as EU leaders consider how to respond to Ireland's surprise 'No' result in last month's referendum.
Under the UK's ratification process, both the House of Commons and the House of Lords must pass the treaty.
The queen then gives royal assent and, along with the foreign secretary, signs "instruments of ratification" on special chlorine-free paper, which will not deteriorate over time.
These are then sealed, bound in blue leather, and deposited with the Italian ministry of foreign affairs in Rome.
A spokesman for the Foreign Office said all these stages had now been completed.
"The documents were lodged in Rome yesterday," he said.
- James Tapsfield
