<P> British Prime Minister Gordon Brown was the only national representative who was planned to sign the Treaty in the ceremony but did not take part , leaving Foreign Secretary David Miliband to sign the Treaty alone . Instead , he signed the document at a lunch for heads of state and government later the same day . A requirement to appear before a committee of British MPs was cited as the reason for his absence . This brought criticism from opposition parties . The Conservatives claimed it made him appear `` gutless '' and referred to it as a `` stunt '' which proved Brown was `` not very good at international diplomacy '' . The Liberal Democrats claimed it raised `` serious questions '' and Chris Huhne said showed `` inept and peevish behaviour that leaves Gordon Brown 's reputation for honest dealing with our EU partners hanging by a thread '' . Parts of British media also criticised Brown for this , suggesting he did it because he was ashamed to sign the Treaty , with Nick Robinson , BBC Political Editor , claiming that Brown was capable of attending the signing but instead chose not to . </P>
<P> British Prime Minister Gordon Brown was the only national representative who was planned to sign the Treaty in the ceremony but did not take part , leaving Foreign Secretary David Miliband to sign the Treaty alone . Instead , he signed the document at a lunch for heads of state and government later the same day . A requirement to appear before a committee of British MPs was cited as the reason for his absence . This brought criticism from opposition parties . The Conservatives claimed it made him appear `` gutless '' and referred to it as a `` stunt '' which proved Brown was `` not very good at international diplomacy '' . The Liberal Democrats claimed it raised `` serious questions '' and Chris Huhne said showed `` inept and peevish behaviour that leaves Gordon Brown 's reputation for honest dealing with our EU partners hanging by a thread '' . Parts of British media also criticised Brown for this , suggesting he did it because he was ashamed to sign the Treaty , with Nick Robinson , BBC Political Editor , claiming that Brown was capable of attending the signing but instead chose not to . </P>
which british prime minister signed the lisbon treaty
which british prime minister signed the lisbon treaty
Gordon Brown
Gordon Brown