Peers in 'wrecking' move over treaty

ANTI-MAASTRICHT campaigners in the Lords yesterday tabled what amounted to a 'wrecking' amendment seeking to prevent the treaty coming into force unless it is backed by a majority of the electorate, writes Patricia Wynn Davies.

The amendment - appearing to require a majority of those entitled to vote - would derail the treaty.

The move was tabled by Lord Blake (C); Lord Stoddart of Swindon (Lab); Viscount Tonypandy, the former Commons Speaker and the Duke of Devonshire (Ind).

Lord Blake said later that he had intended to call for only a majority of those voting. But even on this interpretation the amendment stands no chance of success.