letter to the editor from Richard Corbett MEP

19th June 2008

The Metro

Dear Editor,

If Jason Smith is going to comment on the Lisbon Treaty he should at least get his facts straight (letters, June 17th). The amendment that he refers to was to the European Parliament's report on the Lisbon Treaty, not to the treaty itself which was agreed by government leaders not MEPs.

The amendment was rejected because it goes without saying that the Treaty cannot come into force without being ratified by all countries. Secondly, it referred only to Ireland , whereas every country's decision has equal status. Even Jason Smith should be able to understand that this is hardly undemocratic.

Yours,

Richard Corbett

Labour MEP for Yorkshire & Humber
Blenheim Terrace, Leeds