James O'Brien Fact-Checks Caller's Claim Lisbon Treaty Will Remove Our EU Veto

25 March 2019, 13:33 | Updated: 26 March 2019, 11:58

When a caller told James O'Brien that an academic had told him about how the Lisbon Treaty would remove our veto in Europe, James proved it was simply not true.

A post on social media doing the rounds claims "if 99% of the British think that the deal is bad, just have a look at the Lisbon Treaty".

It states that changes to the Lisbon Treaty would mean that the EU would no longer have a veto on any EU policies.

Philip called up saying a Cambridge academic had told him about it and people needed to know about it.

But James fact-checked him on air - and it turns out that what he's saying is simply not true.

James O'Brien in the LBC studio
James O'Brien in the LBC studio. Picture: LBC

Speaking on his LBC show, he said: "It is wrong to say the Lisbon Treaty comes into effect in 2020. Do you know why it's wrong to say that? Because it came into force in 2009 - 10 years ago.

"As was agreed by EU member countries, every single one of them including us, in 2007. It has been in place since 2009.

"If the UK were to remain in the European Union beyond March 2019 for any reason, then the Lisbon Treaty wouldn't suddenly change anything."

Regarding the veto, James explained that the Lisbon Treaty did make changes on how EU laws are passed which reduced the scope of states’ veto ability, but it did not abolish veto powers.

Summing up, James said: "It's still out there. Even Cambridge academics are falling for it.

"You know what they say about a lie... it's halfway around the world before the truth has got its trousers on."

Caller Sina

James O’Brien is unconvinced by caller Sina’s justification for Israel’s strikes on Iran

Caller Harry

Pilot Harry gives his reaction to Gatwick-bound plane crash

LBC caller tells James O’Brien how she ended up homeless as a result of the 'disastrous' mini-budget in 2022.

Liz Truss' 'disastrous' mini budget left this LBC caller homeless

LBC callers react

How successful was Greta Thunberg’s aid mission?: LBC callers react

Caller Hanisa

Hanisa explains to James O’Brien that it’s her choice alone to wear the Burqa

Caller Lisa from California responds to Donald Trump summoning the National Guard to LA over the protests.

Californian caller responds to Trump sending the National Guard to LA

James O'Brien Batman Caller

Caller Luke’s nickname for Robert Jenrick amuses James O’Brien

Furious 80-year-old caller takes over the James O'Brien show

Furious 80-year-old caller takes over the James O'Brien show

Mental health nurse calls James O’Brien to discuss drug decriminalisation

Mental health nurse calls James O’Brien to discuss drug decriminalisation

Caller James admits to dangerous e-scooter driving whilst backing better safety regulations

Caller James admits to dangerous e-scooter driving whilst backing better safety regulations

James O'Brien caller on water

Caller explains how ‘corporate finance’ has been ‘catastrophic’ for water companies

LBC caller John believes police were 'right' to release Liverpool suspect's ethnicity

LBC caller John believes police were 'right' to release Liverpool suspect's ethnicity

'Mate, I love you'

James' conversation with Barry, who had a chemical castration, takes an unexpectedly wholesome turn

James vs LBC caller: Immigration debate ends more amicably than it starts

James O'Brien vs LBC caller: Immigration debate ends more amicably than it starts

'Necessary and important': British-Israeli caller phones James O'Brien

'Necessary and important': British-Israeli caller phones James O'Brien

James O'Brien's callers praise EU deal

James O'Brien's callers praise EU deal