Lisbon treaty

Gordon Brown has shown his sheer contempt for democracy by denying the British people a referendum on the treaty, even though Labour promised us one on the treaty’s alter ego, the European Constitution.

I’m not sure which is worse, but I know that voters don’t like being treated as fools.

The EU doesn’t seem to realise that when voters say no, they are sending a message, not just about Europe, but about their rejection of the arrogant ways of the political elite.

Forcing this issue yet again down the throats of the Irish people is probably going to make that reaction even stronger.

Ireland’s second vote is probably the last chance to stop the drift towards a federal superstate.

Every true democrat will surely be hoping for another decisive rejection of the treaty.

Martin Callanan, Conservative MEP, North-East England.