abstract:The Treaty of Westminster was a treaty of neutrality signed on January 16, 1756 between Frederick the Great of Prussia and King George II of the British Empire. British fears of French attacks on Hanover were responsible for the development of the treaty.
Torybackbenchers have urged David Cameron to take the opportunityofanytreatychangesarising from the crisisto repatriatepowersfromBrusselsto Westminster.
MPs are currently debating the ratification of the treaty - but the Conservatives, who are the only party at Westminster demanding a referendum, would need to gain the support of Lib Dem and Labour MPs to get their way.
Lawyers may argue that the doctrine had already been breached by the Treatyof Rome, which led to the European Union, or that the law still empowers Westminster to dissolve the new institutions it has created.