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Queen Elizabeth II, Monarch of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and her territories gave her Royal Assent to her country's acceptance of the Lisbon Treaty on Wednesday, July 16, 2008. This act effectively marked the end of her position as Sovereign over this once great, independent nation that ruled vast areas of Africa, Asia and Australasia.
According to The Times, July 17, 2008, the process of ratification of the treaty is completed when the two houses of Parliament pass the treaty and "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 minister of foreign affairs in Rome.
What will be the implications of this event?
By ratifying the Lisbon Treaty, the British Government has acquiesced to the European Union's "Common Foreign and Security Policy" as outlined in Articles 23 and 24 of the Lisbon Treaty. According to these articles, "The Union's competence in matters of common foreign and security policy shall cover all areas of foreign and all questions relating to the Union's security…" (Article 24, Paragraph 1).
And, "The Member States shall support the common foreign and security policy actively and unreservedly in a spirit of loyalty and mutual solidarity and shall comply with the Union's actions in this area" (Paragraph 3).
And, "They shall refrain from any action which is contrary to the interests of the Union or likely to impair its effectiveness as a cohesive force in international relations" (Paragraph 3).
Britons (and other members of the Union) should understand that this is serious. It means that they can no longer determine unilateral action for the defense of their country or alliances with a second country such as the United States. They are now subservient to the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. This is a new title enshrined in the Lisbon Treaty soon to be filled when the treaty is enacted. Britain's Foreign Secretary will no longer have the final authority in matters of national security and defense.
If the European Union ever declared war on the United States, British forces could be called upon to use military action, including the use of their nuclear weapons.
The Brown Labour government ignored calls from the Opposition and others to hold a referendum, as they had promised at the last election. They assured voters at that time that a plebiscite would be held to give the electorate the right to say "Yes" or "No" to the European Constitution. When this constitution was changed to a treaty, they announced that it was not necessary to hold a referendum.
What are the implications of these fast-moving developments in Europe?
The 27 member states of the European Union are venturing into unchartered waters, where democracy is being eroded, as thousands of directives are issued by the European Commission without due consultation or representation. The members of the Commission are appointed, not elected by the 460 million citizens of the Union.
Bible prophecy speaks of a future dictatorship arising in the area north of the Holy Land which will dominate the world. This great economic, military and political behemoth is called a "beast" in prophetic language.
Bible scholars have often identified this beast with the Roman Empire, which has experienced several revivals over the centuries and is in the process of its final manifestation.
Most Europeans do not realise just where they are headed. You can know and understand that it is not just the people of Europe who will be dominated by this new super-power, but the whole world.
If you would like to know more about this "beast" and how it will affect the lives of everyone in the near future, request our free booklet, The Beast of Revelation.
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