It is to be hoped that the LibDems & honourable Labour
Lords understand the anger and anti-EU hostility that will be generated in the country if ratification continues and the Irish vote is ignored. The only beneficiary will be UKIP. Ratification should be halted, and a Referendum given in the UK.

Donna Walker, Effingham, England

fascism arising again? it failed last time but only after a world war

terry sullivan, morden, england

When the constitution was voted down by the French, we were told there was no point in our referendum as the constitution was dead. Now the treaty has suffered a similar fate, we are told we must complete ratification.

I smell a very bad smell indeed.

Andrew Forbes, Thames Ditton, Surrey

How is a few million Irish saying "no" worse than only a few thousand politicians saying "yes"?

John Scott, London,

Well, regarding the introduction of the article, there's another option: in exactly one year from now, in June 2009, we are going to elect our Representatives at the European Parliament. "We, The People of the European Union..."

arturh, Paris, France

The Irish Prime Minister had admitted he did not read the Treaty. How many other "Leaders" have not read it? How many MP's and MEP's have read it? How many of therm understand it and can distinguish it from the Draft Constitution?
This lunacy MUST be stopped NOW.

David Hargreaves, Holywell, United Kingdom

All 27 member states need to ratify the Lisbon Treaty. One hasn't. Surely therefore the House of Lords should simply just abandon the whole process as a waste of time, because it cannot possibly be ratified.

Nerletto, Milton Keynes,

Now that Ireland has given its answer, Brussels will simply change the question

Frank Greaney, Formby, Liverpool

Hitler would have been so proud...an unelected European superstate controlling 500 Million from cradle to grave.

John Lauder, Edinburgh, Scotland

If we the UK don't act responsibly to ensure that the Irish vote has meaning and the Irish government effectively retains sovereignty, who will remain to defend us in our turn?

Bob, Reading,

Now where did I read: "Ignorance is strength", "War is peace", "Freedom is slavery"? And now "No is yes". Ah, yes: the Ministry of Truth in Brussels. Whatever next, "Tyranny is democracy"? "2008 is 1984"?

cadzow, Greater London, UK

Quite simply, the House of Lords must reject this Treaty. It has been rejected by the Irish, before them the French and the Dutch therefore it has not been and will not be ratified by all member states and it most certainly would not be ratified by us, THE PEOPLE, if we were permitted to Vote

Liz Brown, Montmartin en Graignes,

So, the results of the EU referendum are so far 100% against it.
That's only a minor set back to the Eurocrats...

Mikey Finn, london, uk

Are you all dead out there??? Ratification by the UK must be stopped NOW. This is not Zimbabwe or does Gordon Brown think he is Mugabe. The rules must not be changed. If this goes through, it will certainly be the end of the little bit of freedom we have left. Watch out, the Thought Police coming!!

Francis Henderson, Arundel, England

When a woman says NO we are supposed to understand that NO means NO - not yes. When Ireland says NO it means - yes actually I do want a treaty I'm just playing hard to get. - Men!

Phil, Lancaster, England

We don't like Rober Mugabe treating his people with contempt - is the EU any different - no guns so far?

Emma Currie, Ipswich,

Did anyone else get the impression that pressure is being put on Irish leaders to ignore the vote and carry on with ratification? Meanwhile Dennis McShane sneers that UK voters are all too daft or lazy to understand the treaty and should entrust our MPs (who are not) to decide for us.

hazel J, London, England

The responses to date tell us just why we were not allowed a referendum since our Government couldn't risk a 'NO' vote. Do politicians (throughout Europe) hold us, the electorate, in total contempt? It would certainly seem so.

Michael , London, England