I always wondered why the British people give themselves so much troubles to decide whether they should or not become full member of the EU. They have demonstrated ,since the beginning ,when Europe was then only a six members'States,that they have no aspiration whatsoever in joining Europe. As a matter of fact ,they attempted to torpedo it with the creation of the Free Trade Association.It is my opinion that Britain should be booted out of the European institutions ; we could negotiate a trade treaty (the only aspect of Europe that attracts the GB) similar to the one, the idea of which is being floated around for Turkey.

Norbert Clement, Paris, France

The EU treaty is pretty much the rejected EU constitution with a different name, Welcome to the EU where dictatorship is the way forward.

The EU is to become the United States of Europe whether we like it or not, After this the New World Order will come into being where one government rules the world and dictates.

Gary, Peterborough, uk

The Bean's approach seems to be to do everything half-heartedly, always with a sour note- and with a superior attitude that if he'd been in the driving seat, rather than leaving it to mere mortals, then it would all have been much better. Well, Billy Bean- you are firmly in the driving seat, so how come everything is getting worse? I've never seem a politician with such a gift for getting the worst of both worlds out of everything he touches.

Doug, Glasgow,

It's a good thing that the British are so indifferent to the EU: all the other 24 nations that make up the EU are indifferent to Britain as well and couldn't particularly care less if Brown turns up late. Don't fool yourselves: the EU will go on, whether Britain is there or not.

Gordon Brown was just cutting off his nose to spite his face - a pretty foolish gesture in a world where the USA is retreating in on itself and China and India, countries of 1bn population, are becoming serious global players. If little Britain with its 60m people thinks it can make it all alone, then good luck!

MB, Edinburgh,

A really most excellent article. Ben McIntyre for news editor.

Owain, Folkestone, UK

Mr Brown is really a bit of an embarrasment isnt he!

Fred Smith, Reading, United Kingdom

Strange how the wheel turns full circle... that Oswald Mosely as "Old" Labour MP came up with the idea for the EU way back whenever... an idea that was picked up by Hitler later in his Neuropa and now Britain under New Labour seems to be the unwilling bride in it all.

But maybe our years of running delay 'n' interference tactics for Bush and the American corporations are over as there are more willing nations out there to do their dirty work and with the world economy in peril as it is, I would rather be stuck with the Euro than wear the concrete overcoat of the dollar.

Ian Watson, Gillingham, Dorset

Expect much more petty mindedness from Brown for the next two years until he is kicked out of office by the British electorate.

John, LONDON,

Hello Britain! Has no-one realised that Brown's late show was purely so the media couldn't show him smiling as he signs away Britain's independence, surrounded by a throng of deluded regional leaders of the Federal States of Europe??

All British and European people are now citiizens of a legally active supra-national state, this has been achieved without any consultation with the population, and nobody is even raising an eyebrow. I left for Australia this year, and not a moment too soon. Shame on the media and parliament for not standing up to this unelected joke of a prime minister and his corrupt parties attempts to destroy Britain and everything it used to stand for.

Luke , Sydney , Australia

This has got to be one of the bestand funniest pieces of writing that I have read in a long time. Brown obviously thought that he was striking a Puritanical workmanlike pose when, in fact, his absence was a serious dereliction of duty. He might as well have sent the diplomatic Catherine Tate to represent HMG.

Jon Cayzer, Cape Town, South Africa

The reason for the lateness of the British Prime Minister should have been for a very valid reason, a conflict in the diary should therefore, work on priority. Gordon Brown represents the whole of the British people at such events. Sometimes the game of politics might be appropriate, other times lateness is just down right rude, when all other head of states can arrive on time.

Mark Harris, Swansea, Wales

Funny, if Thatcher had done this it would have been hailed as an act of supreme hand bagging. Brown demonstrates true British indifference and he's denounced. He can't win but who ever could with the flip flop British attitude to the EU and a media that is sounding daily more bizarre in its reporting.

Ian, Toronto, Canada

"Yesterday upon the stair: I met a man who wasn't there. He wasn't there again today: Oh how I wish he'd go away"

Ron Brick, Manchester, England