If climate change exists in the way governments of the world are currently claiming, then the effects of this and any possibility to make changes or at least slow the way the climate is going, concerns us all in the way we run our lives. Noone likes being told how to run their lives, me included. But something has to be done and it doesn't just lie with the population being told to make changes in their lives, it also lies with the policies our government and the opposition are making. Lets face it, there are too many cars on the road for the small country we live in. I recently passed my driving test after 38 years of catching buses, trains and walking and yes I have a 4x4. Public transport is disgraceful, its getting there but not quick enough and the lack of money going into transport and the road system is building up to a major disaster in years to come. Or is that a government target? Has anyone noticed that there is a lack of investment in repairing our local roads. In my area of Blackpool, there has been over the past 2 years hardly any repairs done on local roads. Pot-holes in some areas are more than 6" deep and becoming extremely dangerous. If the road system is efficient, then the transport using those roads, is running efficiently and hence public transport runs extremely well also. You can also say the same for immigration. There are too many people in this country using what little resources such as NHS, council, housing etc. etc. we have. I am not saying we should basically close our borders and not let anyone in, but we need some sort of breathing space to put some things right. What could say, one year breathing space do to immigration?. It would enable border security to be sorted, put systems in place to keep border security, secure etc. etc. It would also give us a chance to work on people who are not supposed to be in this country. Then start the same system as say New Zealand does, whereby you need ex- amount of points until you become a possibility. But that still shouldn't be a guarantee!. I made myself aware of politics, when Thatcher came to power and how she and her government basically closed the country down. I was unemployed for many years, there was no training albeit the YTS scheme paying next to nothing for a full weeks work and giving businesses a cheap alternative to staff. Greed stemmed from the Tory years and unfortunately with some it stayed. If labour want to win the next election, you need to step back and look at the country as a whole. There are still many people on low incomes. Forget the statistics, there are! To cut the 10p tax was the most rediculous idea ever done. What was the reason who made the decision and didin't they realise what they were doing? The 10p tax was there for a reason, did they think that everyone had more money now?? and so the 10p tax wasn't needed?? There is a simple answer which everyone in politics should realise. YOU WILL always have some sort of poverty. The only thing you can do is ease the burden on families, but it will always be there. As for the credit crunch. What are you doing helping the banks that pushed the money on to people in the first place. The IMF stated last year that house prices in the UK were 25-35% over-valued, so why were banks still lending?. It will end up that many more people will innevitably be repossessed. They are the people you should be helping. I lost my house when the Tories mis-managed the economy in the early 90's and believe me you do not recover from that, for a long time. For god-sake go back to your principles that started New Labour and not to a situation where you seem to be heading to the old Tor'ian days!

Im an English man and I agree too.

As a Welsh man I totally agree with you.

My question does not concern the treaty at all but touches on an earlier comment on over-crowding. It is acknowledged that the population explosion over the last few decades has left the planet with resources to sustain only a fraction of the current population. As a tax payer, I would like to ask why child benefit is not restricted to two children per family. It is imperitive that this situation is addressed if our children are to live in a sustainable world.

Why is no one petitioning the Queen to dissolve parliament and call a general election. As the Act of Supremacy and the Bill of Rights put it: all usurped and foreign power and authority may forever be clearly extinguished, and never used or obeyed in this realm. no foreign prince, person, prelate, state, or potentate shall at any time after the last day of this session of Parliament, use, enjoy or exercise any manner of power, jurisdiction, superiority, authority, pre eminence or privilege within this realm, but that henceforth the same shall be clearly abolished out of this realm, for ever. If this is ratified and receives royal assent then the Queen is in breech of her coronation oath. The Queen has solemnly promised to govern the peoples of the United Kingdom according to the Statutes in Parliament agreed on and according to their laws and customs. The protection of our constitution, the bill of rights and Magna Carta still stand. Petition the Queen and invoke them. Our democracy, and therby our sovereignty, were not handed to us, we fought and won them. On this issue the Queen has every right to intercede on behalf of her subjects. It's why we have a constitutional Monarchy. The same applies to all EU treaties. Any treaty that affects the sovereignty of the people is an act of treason and illegal under the constitution. The constitution cannot be altered by parliament, government or the sovereign. Non are above the common law.

You are living in cloud cuckoo land. Why was there no clamour for such thing after Maasticht in 1992? or when the milk snatcher signed the Single European act in 1986? When we can elect a Queen I will go along with giving her a say. You either have faith in those elected to run the country, if not you vote them out. If the argument is for an elected national government to decide, why do you need a referendum? It is becoming a stale argument providing no help or support to the things that matter to ordinary people. As for Fergus and his talk of broken promises and lost faith in politics, the answer is straight forward. If politics was an answer for anything, it was a...stupid question. European union or national government. It is who employs us and who controls our mortgage that rules and runs peoples lives. Not over egotistical politicians and the 0.001% of the country interested in politics. Get real. Ted Heath and the Tories gave Britain into Europe. Thatcher continued. Major Followed on and Tony Blair kept the tradition going. We are in Eurpore, we will not be coming out and thats the way the World turns.

This goverment will be out by the next election. Broken promises and you have helped break the British peoples trust in politics... This is a total wash out and you have not asked the people who elected you what they want for this great country..

Labour will still win with a majority. Tories keep talking and critisize, but no solutions or alternatives ever given. Lib Dems, well, who knows what they stand for. Street by street it is a different policy per house. NO. Labour has not broken any promise. Untill told, what percentage of the population even knew what was in any of the parties election manifest? You need to ask yourself this. After all the treaties etc. did the Tories ever offer a referendum, WHEN THEY WERE IN POWER? No. They mutter for one because it is easy in oposition. If they were in power and had said they would have one, they too would be saying the negotiations have not resulted in a constitution, but an amending treaty. Because the only question those wanting a referendum is should we stay in, or leave. And that would cause more trouble to the Tories with UKIP hanging on to their shirt tails. As I said earlier. If politics was the answer, it was a ... silly question. And Europe is well down on the list of priorities except to those few who have any interest in it. Jobs, Debt. Crime. Law and Order. Cost of fuel. These are the things that parties should be focusing on. This referendum debate is only hiding the fact that the Tories still are not a credible alternative.

Mr. Murphy, We have been in the European club for over a generation and well on our way into the next so yes, yes, yes get on with it. The EU club is an anti-war movement in a very tribal region of the world. If you can get agreement across Europe then South America, Africa and the Middle East might see there is a formula beyond the US that actually works without giving up the country title and status. Labour has been too slow, too tentative and has not informed the people what this all really means but I like the organisation endorsements offered, at last. Please start selling the EU Treaty beyond the simplistic signing ceremonies that annoy people rather than helping the process.

Yes I see, but then again did we not also go to war, funny how you New labour types forget we went with the USA, we are part of the USA. We are on the out side of the EU, not in it.

The only reason we went 'to war' (in fact this was 'serious consequences' as cited in article 1441 of the EU treaty on weapons of mass destruction) in the minority - the 'out side' of the EU as you put it - was because the majority of EU nations didn't have the strength of their convictions to take the tough and unpopular decision to finally take forceful action against Saddam Hussein, that Britain, France, the U.S. and Spain voted upon (France opting to veto 'anything the British voted for'). In fact, ALL the EU nations signed up to that agreeemnt on WMD (including Iraq) - so Britain, the U.S. and Spain merely *proved* where they stood while the other nations wavered. This puts us in the vanguard of the EU, not on the sidelines.

Following signing of the treaty, do you see the EU acting as a collective in its approach to international development in areas like sub-Sahara Africa?

WHY DO WE NOT HAVE A VOTE ON THIS TREATY SINCE THE EX FRENCH PRESIDENT DESTANG SAID THIS WAS 99PERCENT THE SAME AS THE CONSTUTION WHICH WAS REJECTED BY THE DUTCH FRENCH ETC, I WOULD LIKE THE MINISTERS VIEWS ON IT .

Jim, why are my comments deleted?

I can't follow this wanting a referendum. Those in Parliament argue for Parliamentary democracy. We elect those to Parliament to make the decisions. I do not want those elected coming back and saying they are not able to decide and want a referendum prior to them voting. Everyone knows that a referendum on any European issue would simply turn into a vote to stay or leave the EEC. Ask Mr Murdock at News International if he will put in The Sun a balanced opinion. At the end of the day, we are in Europe. In my opinion for the better. Those arguements against the Treaty seem simply based upon giving power from one group to another. The big decisions today cannot be taken by Britain alone. We need to be a player within Europe. If Europe goes ahead with the Treaty and we do not, what bits of Europe will we have imposed upon us, because we rejected being a total player? Besides, who in todays busy World has time to read and digest the Treaty anyway? Between Corrie and Eastenders, does not give the public time to even read the headers, let alone the main body. Referendums are like that rubbish Big Brother. Are we realy going to decide major issues on what would be little better than a phone in?

Exactly Ian. The whole point of a workable democracy is to elect *politicians* (preferably on the strength of their integrity, political acumen, and dedication to the job) to do the decision-making *for* the vast majority who don't have the required politic acumen themselves. This is the lamest of arguments which can be dredged up from the bottom of the barrel by any dishonourable party for any possible subject - let's have a referendum on it - put it to the people - they aren't stupid! It's populist drivel that appeals only to those least intellectually capable of deciding anything more than who to vote for on Strictly Dancing! A classic example of the Tories being happy to draw support from anyone even if they're all Sun readers who enjoy headlines like, 'It was the Sun wot wun it'. treborc, with this thinking, why bother with elections? To put the best political decision-makers in the role, of course!

What a silly thing to say, we have a right to decide who runs this country be it in the Uk or in the EU. I mean with your thinking why bother with elections.

treborc. The whole point of elections is to elect people to represent us. To make decisions they feel are in the best interest of us. That is democracy. Referendums are a nice way of those elected 'coping out'. The argument is straight forward. On one side are those who feel we have given power away to a much larger, undemocratic organisation; the EEC On the other side are those who argue that we must be part of a wider body to influence that body in a World much different from when parliament was thought a good idea. We do decide who runs our country every four and a half years. It is the General Election. We also decide every few years who runs Europe, again through elections. So what is the point of a referendum? I see them only for those who think elections give the wrong ressult. IE not the one they wanted and try for a second option to get their way. And the number who would vote in such a referendum would be no different i suspect, than those who vote for the European elections. And Memebers of Parliament who keep requesting a referendum are defeating the very thing they argue for. Parliament to decide what is best for Britain. They are elected to make decisions. Get on with it.

Funny that I always was under the impression MP worked for the community through the local Labour party, I know that some MP's think they are a power unto themselves. and perhaps deselection does not scare them. it should.

From your opening remarks, the Treaty is obviously a wonderful thing. So why not put it to the vote (as promised)? You must realise that hardly anyone believes it is substantially different from the Constitution, on which a referendum was promised. You would have my vote - just as soon as the EU auditors pass the EU accounts as sound and honest. Gordon Brown's administration will now go down in history as the most duplicitous for many many years. What have you done.

Well said sir, your point is very accurate.

CORRECTION: Livingston's quote ends, "Every penny should be accounted for." Didn't close quote last time.

Ken Livingston said of the government running of British institutions," Every penny spent should be accounted for. It isn't as of yet, but this would apply equally to my vision of Europe. Ideally when we have some democratic control over European administrators, they will be more accountable than say unelected boards from large companies-or sadly many unelected civil servants either here or in Europe

I am not happy with the situation in the UK at the moment, because of the unlimited immigration policy, as I think there should to be some control over the numbers coming in to the country and the standards of the people we are letting in.

There is a frequently held assumption that Membership of Europe gives away power. The contrary is true in that only within the context of Europe can we exert real power although that also means sharing it with likeminded nations. There is little real demand for a referendum and that is usually the tool of non democratic states. The answer can usually be produced by the manner in which the question is posed. We happen to live in a representative democracy and it is more important to abolish the House of Lords and introduce a fairer election system than to use the cop out of a referendum. To support our membership of Europe does not involve agrreing 100% with every decision or policy but it allows us to operate both in terms of our position in the world and within its geographical context rather than being at the mercy of capital as we were in the sixties. Those who look to the past and have a fear of freer flows of people and goods naturally fear Europe whereas we can learn a great deal from our shared history. It was not Europe which initiated the war in Iraq and a movement away from the U.S. in the direction of Europe would create a better balance in the world. We would be more committed to human rights, but we can also influence our fellow Europeans by our example and become a greater power in the world-but a power for peace,for freedom and justice. We cannot turn our backs on the world but we can strive for a peaceful settlement to the Middle East problem and fight the moral corruption of the religious fundamentalism which motivates so many nations' policies. The anti European prejudices of the left are based on the same same prejudices which motivate the far right.It is time that the left United for a Socialist/democratic and liberal Europe conscious of the need to help the nations of the third world and working together for our shared ideals.

So, there is little real demand for a referendum is there? And referendums are the tool of non democratic states, are they? Go ahead, my friend and blindly follow your masters. I am not anti Europe, but I do believe in honesty and democracy and that is one thing sorely lacking in this government's dictatorial steamrolling of this latest EU treaty through parliament. That's right, dictatorial, because one thing you wouldn't get in a dictatorship is a referendum on anything. I firmly believe that the workers of Europe should unite and drown those faceless politicians and beurocrats in their own weasel words. At the moment the EU and multinational business are one and the same. When I hear some of your precious Labour MP's stand up in the commons and address the rights of British workers and trade unionists against the encroachment of Europe wide policies which erode those rights, then, perhaps I might, just might, start to belive that the signing of this treaty was not to give Bliar a foot in the door to the Presidency. There is power in a union, both trade and European. Let's use it!

Hi Paul, I would like to support your comments. I think there is a tendancy and perhaps a degree of scare mongering in people assuming that we are giving over our power to Europe. In my view I instinctively feel that it is right to be a member and a part of Europe and that we gain both socially and economically. I guess there will always be arguements to be had about whether we should have a vote on Europe but if something is different eg.the Treaty, then why have a vote? We should use our influence to work with our partners in Europe to make sure that the needs of British people are met, to promote good EU policies and where appropriate to challenge or change EU policy. Undoubtedly, many parts of Britain have benefitted from things like EU grants so this should be seen as a positive and not a negative. Like any big family there will always be times when squabbles and disagreements take place , but more often than not families try to resolve their differences and work together to create a harmonious environment. Best wishes John.

"Little real demand for a referendum" I am not sure which planet you live on, but here on Earth I see quite a lot of demand. Try reading what we Earthlings call "newspapers" or visit a "pub" and listen to "people" speaking. It may come as a big surprise to you.

Paul, I would trust you with you fair-minded vision to rule the likes of me. But I fear those already in high office, whether elected there or not, would ever do that which you and I would want. The human condition is such that self serving interest would prevail --- just as our great reformer hope, Neil Kinnock, fell from grace when he put his family before standing up against the EU accounting scandal. My fear is that we are creating an un-natural empire so great that should we ever stand up to protest we would become the "disappeared" , branded terrorists as enemies of the state. ------ I wish you or Jim could assure me without weasel words and hidden agendas --- by proposing full financial transparency and open and free elections for all posts in high office. A certainty that officials could be voted out and brought to justice. In brief, get the books to balance without the corruption and self-interest. Otherwise it is better the devil we know.

referendums for everything as feedback on reality TV. Elect your lecturers in Parliament and accept the powers exploiting current regulation making the most profit possibly measured in taxes compared to funding streams in some 'upper' house. Issuance of currency to measure things other than the power to command without betting on psychology would help. The powers accept that the people of France and Holland simply made the wrong decision with respect to world power realities. Well can anyone question belief in the current money system underlying that position as now we appear to be reticent at least to endorse some sort of God and His interpreter amongst the clerics or even God-Monarch in local terms. Herecy and Treason some call - Section 3 of the Mental Health Act anyone?

Well Jim, -- opinion here is split but seems more in favour of a referendum. --- So are you going to listen to the public or just pay lip service ?????? --- please let us know before you waste more of our time with this pretension. -- What have you to loose from a referendum other than an even fatter pension??? -- Do tell

Of course the majority view is in favour of the referendum - it's the simplest conclusion to reach. However this doesn't make it right! If you did a survey and asked people whether a 6-sided dice that had just rolled five 6's consecutively, was more or less likely to roll a six again, most people would answer that it is less likely. Yet this is mathematically wrong! The chance of rolling a six remains 1 in 6, no matter what results have come before. These people who all want a referendum do not understand how this actually results in the *worst* kind of democracy - the kind where idiots far, far outnumber those who understand the politics. Politics is not a simple subject, no matter how much you might want to think it is, or that the general public has enough interest and education to make an informed decision. The reality is that most people don't even know the most basic facts of politics such as what the right and left indicate. Asking these people what they think on the matter of the EU treaty would be as meaningless as asking the same question of a four year old!

"Under the bill of rights we said we would not give away our power to other countries." How many "foreign" companies run services in our country-for instance electricity and water supplies. How will these big companies be controlled nationally and internatonally? Via National and European democratic parliament I hope. Abuse of expense accounts happens in the UK too-I don't condone it anywhere and it should be rooted out. But if that's an argument for denying a (European) parliament we may as well go back two hundred years and only give the vote to those rich enough not to "need the money". Europe is about sharing power-something I feel Labour is all about.

"How will these big companies be controlled nationally and internatonally?" They won't be controlled they will be in control. It is the merger of state and corporation originally the idea of Mussolini he named it fascism. "Europe is about sharing power-something I feel Labour is all about." Europe is far from about sharing power the same as new labour. It's about taking power away from the stupid people. If you think my comment is far fetched then look no further than the nanny state. Mussolini told his population who to behave through the iron fist of the brown shirts. Modern fascism pretends it's totalitarian system of politics is for your own health.

Just spent 8 hours wattching the commons EU scrutiny debate which which can be found at- "http://www.parliamentlive.tv/Main/VideoPlayer.aspx?meetingId=877" Sorry Jim Murphy but I can not under stand how you can look yourself in the mirror. You are abouts to give the power of this countries and the peoples power of self determination away. You spook of red lines and opt in's but any one with even the smallest modicum of sense would realize that if the treaty is ratified these are merely slight hurdles to the EU. As for home Secretary Jackie Smith she quite clearly did not even know what the EU treaty is never mind being able to discus the contents of it. Jim your clearly an intelligent man and have been given the task of promoting this treaty and have coned yourself into believing in it. Please remember this is not your career this is a take over of the democratic power of the elected body of parliament.

Why are we being denied a referendum when you promised us one in your election manifesto? You fool no one by pretending that this treaty is different from the European Constitution. By telling blatant lies you undermine all those Labour MPs who made their election commitment in good faith. I don't see how any person of principle can be expected to trust the party ever again.

bernardpearson@talktalk.net. Hi thisis my first go at this but I am very passionate about one thing. Will all our people who have a voice in the E.U. please get together aND STOP THE CONTINENTALS FURTHER REDUCING OUR FISHING QUOTAS . All this does is allows french and spanish trawlers free reiogn to take all our stocks with illegal nets . Talk to our fishermen and they will tgell you that stocks are healthy. Get the qoutas upped and at the next Gewneral Election you will almost certainly sweep Conservativee Robert Goodwill outr of office. Remember we have three fishing ports hbere in Scarfborough Whitby anf Filey . Please take on Europde and give our trawlermen a fighting chanc to aqt least have a level playing field.

we do have a lot of " little Englanders! ".We are in the E.U. so lets get on with it.We elect Parliament to look after our interests - give them the debate.They probably have more knowledge of the Lisbon Accord than most of us. I wonder how many of the critics holiday in the E.U ? We need the E.U. and the E.U. needs us,each can offer the other many benefits. As I go around, I see many acknowledgements saying , " Thanks to the E.U. for contributions to this project ." Personally I am proud to be British and also European. ( and I am an O.A.P. !)

We all voted for you on the basis that we would get a referendum. No amount of mealy mouthed spin convinces anyone that this is the constitution inall but name. It is a total breach of faith and trust not to give us a referendum. No know how the police feel because you have done the same to them over their wages. How many other promises are you going to break. No more mixed wards perhaps. This will cost you the next election.

To call it Treaty or Constitution is syntax. The result is the practical reality of it all in the context irrational humanity. You might refer reality to statistical or exhaustive opinion polling. Say vote pi=3 whatever the experts said. The panel of experts had to go back to the drawing board to work out how many lines there were to a circle: if the obvious answers of 0 in any flat space or 1 in an appropriately curved topology would prove to be unpopular to being who preferred to work things out on their fingers in base 10. Binary based on do I get hit for saying it.

I belive that the aim of the eurepean union is the increase the living standard of every eurepean,do we expecting a federal constraction in the future. what is the labour party decision about this idea,is it possible? and other thing is the common language, for example before france revolutıon many many ethnic gruops were spoken different language and after the republic they started to use french as a common national language the reason for this make people understand each other and increase economic growth and trade, so can we expect similar progress in EU and if happen what is going to be the Uk role?

Would some one please tell me why we need to give parliamentary power away to the EU what is so great about that?

Yes, I cannot understand those people who want to wreck the Treaty. I want us to stop discussion and debate on this issue and just want to get on with the job ahead. That is why I am interested in becoming a Memebr of the European Parliament oneday soon (hopefully). I am very much interested in climate change and speeding up internation aid. Can you tell me what are in plans to take this two agenda forward? I just want to see actions to deliver.

Hi Solma, yes and yes, --- I can't wait to get a job with the EU so I too can give up work and join the grave train -- the sooner the better if you ask me -- and don't let the duffers get a vote to spoil our party -- thank jim when you're in for just looking after ourselves -- go for it!

Jim, please stop the energy miss-information – have all energy saving schemes provide a whole energy audit . -------------- Forget all the financial costs to buy, install, maintain and dismantle these naive green wind edifices. Instead look to a whole energy audit as a benchmark. Financial subsidies and suppliers profits will distort fiscal pay back time. For those really wanting to be green, the real acid test is whether these wind driven turbines will ever produce more energy than it took to make, install, commission…etc. Consider all the energy required in prospecting for and sourcing the ore and raw materials, digging, shipping and processing, the energy required to make the warehouse, all that concrete, machines to manufacture, ---- you get the idea --- the list is considerable right through to the energy cost to dispose of the thing itself and items of manufacture. The energy audit can not be cheated – that was the real cost whether you like it or not. --------. So if the manufacture can provide a positive whole energy audit then please buy one. Otherwise see it for what it is --- just part of a multi-billion dollar business selling snake oil. -------. So, I have coined a term for the foolish and extravagant who indulge in such fantasies. Some will think they may save the world and others will want to be seen as saviours. Either way, they are ---- Obscene greens ------.

Hi Jim, Do you think we should let more states in to the EU and if so, when do you think this will happen?

Hi Jim Murphy, What are you and your colleagues afraid of? Why are you Running Scared of a Referendum. I was always brought up to tell the truth, and not be a liar, and have never voted conservative in my life - I , am an OAP and will never ever vote for your party again, and I know dozen and dozens of people who feel the same way. It seems that the Labour Party have lied through their high teeth when Tony Blair promised the UK public that their would be a Referendum on Europe. Obviously just another ploy to win votes, a promise just to be cast aside and conveniently forgotten. Her Majesty the Queen at her Coronation promised to govern us according to our laws and customs. The Bill of Rights 1689 states that we should never be ruled by 'Foreign Powers'

Will the government apply pressure on the media for accurate reporting on the EU? And will there be a public information drive, to demonstrate the benefits of being part of the EU, and the benefits of the treaty?

In terms of being more obediant regarding bar laws in Britain than in Spain. I think I might have been to a number of British pub, "lock ins" before the government gave the English more rights to be adult about drinking times. The disasterous Spanish illegal housing boom happened under the previous(Conservative-PP) Spanish government. A british documentary concluded that people had bought the houses, without consulting Spanish lawyers and this is unwise anywhere. These houses were often introduced to British buyers by timeshare salespeople, who are often Brits selling to Brits. Finally I understand people questioning the need for democratic decision making in Europe. I think that decisions, which are of continental importance, are best made by people I can vote for. If not the vacuum is normally filled entirely by big business. However, those Euro-sceptics now, that do come round to accepting this form of European democracy, will probably make amongst the best Euro-citizens. I certainly feel that all democratc institutions need to be kept under constant scrutiny.

I was inspired by the motto debate. This is my submision: “While our strength has forever been our personal right to be different, we strive to live, perpetually, in our finest hour.” This leads into how I feel Britons should be wish to be perceived by the world: A wise, caring, and influential Nation, motivated by pride to be the most accomplished in every field one might name, and motivated by selflessness and pragmatism, to assist and lead, broken and beaten nations, to a point where they can be considered stiff competitors.

All those in favour of doing something to slow climate change stop eating meat -- Otherwise, just expel less CO2, pay less tax, beat yourself foolishly into a guilt ridden pulp and start to feel smug !!!!!!!!!! Oh yes, and join up fully to the EU for updated silly diktats.

I, for one, am glad that the Tories will be exposed as the Eurosceptics they are and that the EU can move on from this debate and begin being a world leader in all areas.

Jim, Not really a question, just a statement that I would like our MPs to approve this treaty so we and the European Union can move on. For me the most important issue is climate change, and finding constructive ways to build our global economy while reducing carbon emissions. Yours Joe

The Commons European scrutiny committee has concluded that the constitution and the 'new' treaty are "substantially equivalent". That means that by failing to hold a referendum, we are effectively reneging on a manifesto commitment; that will make it very difficult for Party members to campaign on the basis of future manifestos, and makes us appear dishonest. I agree that Global Warming is vitally important; but the EU alone is not going to be able to tackle it. That requires multi-national, global efforts - as do nearly all the challenges that go beyond the purely national context. I'm not anti-Europe; but I do despair of the fact that the Labour government I have campaigned for seems incapable of trusting the judgement of the electorate and resorts to sleight of hand and what looks very much like dishonesty. We need a proper debate about our place in the world in general, and in Europe in particular, and this would be an opportunity. And, incidentally, whilst most of what emanates from the EU is positive and welcome at the moment, some of it isn't, and there is no guarantee that in the future we won't find ourselves facing regulations and directives that are contrary to our values. That's why a real debate and a referendum is vital.

Joe, glad you are aware of climate change but why do you think the EU can help? The EU bandwagon is hell bent to just raise taxes according to CO2 production --- Do your part and don't eat meat-------- Methane is responsible for nearly as much global warming as all other non-CO2 greenhouse gases put together. Methane is 21 times more powerful a greenhouse gas than CO2. While atmospheric concentrations of CO2 have risen by about 31% since pre-industrial times, methane concentrations have more than doubled. Whereas human sources of CO2 amount to just 3% of natural emissions, human sources produce one and a half times as much methane as all natural sources. Why don't the EU masters ban Animal farming? Too anti French?

Where is the referendum we were promised by labour back in 2005? This is an issue for the british people to decide, and is a breach of trust by the labour party for welching on this election manifesto promise!

Mr. Jim Murphy, you may or may not be surprised to know that i believe we do not live in a complete democracy. I would say we live in about 48% of a true democracy. So what relevance does this have to this discussion? Well, everything. If we are to engage in wars going in the name of 'Democracy and freedom', then when the opportunity rises we should set an example to those who are not, that we, Britain, are. If the people want 'have' democracy (democracy - where the people are sovereign), then the people will have (provided it is a majority) the final say on whatever MP's so wish be passed into law. However, regardless of what MP's think of the severity of change to our British way that will or won't be effected by the European Constitution, if the people want a referendum to have the democratic right to vote when they so wish, they shall. If it is a "no", then so it shall be. I myself am divided to what our position in Europe should be, because we should most definitely uphold our standards and expect every other country to have similar standards. So why is it, that Romania, Poland, and indeed any other country that does not have as strong economy or democracy as France, Germany, Britain, Spain or Italy, should be even considered for entry. Balance immigration. One hand, you have a higher productive state and more tax, on the other, the money is being taken away to the country they have come from, the NHS becomes even more drained, you have even more crammed conditions in housing, higher crime, and even greater poverty (i.e. Slough). It is illogical and as 'great' as Britain is, we cannot sustain this for much longer. Even one of the developed countries i have mentioned, Spain, is ploughing through our British emigrants land, and charging to the bill 'infrastructure work' to them, who are at risk? 22,000 Britain’s! Surely, if we are so 'united' we could have discussions with the Spanish about this and secure their homes? Regardless of how good or bad this 'Treaty of Lisbon' will give us, the British People, the owners of Britain, a better future, remember if the people want a vote, by every moral, decent, democratic, civilised, economically strong standard, we should have that right. Surely, elected REPRESENTATIVES, we have that right? So please, our right honourable gentlemen, answer my question. Yes or no.

Could not agree more. We we'er promised a vote on this.And our elected masters have refused us.Like so many other broken promises re-nationalised railways bus. Labour have renaged.Thats why they won't win the next election.I visted spain on a regular basis.they do not obey the health and safety rules imposed by the EU.Which I'm glad about other wise my Spainish friends bar would be closed down.The smoking ban which came into place in spain is democratic.All they have to do by law. is display a sign THIS IS A SMOKING BAR.Then its your choice if you go in or not.Unlike us where the nanny state dictates no one can smoke in side. Unless you drink in the bar of the houses of parliment where its still legal.This whole thing stinks of do a I say not as I do.The only difference between the rest of europe and us is we obey the rules they don't Check out your spainish building site next time your there.Count how many items of safety gear they are wearing

Europe needs to be a Near-Zero CO2 Emitter by 2016. It is not taking this target seriously, and the target set is far too little and far too late.

Why did you red line the human rights part of the treaty? We have never had a positive right to strike and new labour doesn't seem to want to give us one. Every country where they have this right has safeguards that protect essential services. Our laws encourage strikers to close essential services- stupid?

i suppose you already know about the expats living in spain .there are now thousands of old age british pensioners living there mostly for there health.now they go over there see a house they like get a spanish solictitor.and then have to see a lawyer type person to check every thing is right.before they can buy.then after they take there money.and about 3 years down the line they find there home has to be pulled down because the main party in power has never given permision for the house to be biult.and they lose everything.surely the european goverment must do something about all this.the british consulet say it is nothing to do with them.brotish embassy said it is nothing to do with them also.so its down to the eurpean goverment to sort it all out and fast dont you think.lets not start saying it all will go away when we no it will not.please .please talk to them for all your british people .the old aged pensioner who just dont know what to do any more they may be living in spain but they still are british ,waiting your reply

I am old enough to have had the opportunity to vote to join the Common Market which was sold to the British as a European area for free trade. I have not yet had the opportunity to specifically vote away my sovereignty . Our cherished democratic system is swamped by party politics, but politicians opinions on important national views are shared regardless of party politics. The British public have never had the chance to vote solely on EU membership without the confusion and inclusion of other party issues. Therefore, this incremental drift into a European Empire is achieved only by stealth, a stealth perpetuated by the self interest of those who rise to power. The lucrative salaries, benefits, slush funds and pensions paid by the EU are enough to turn an honest(ish) man. You just have to look at Kinock’s fall from grace into the EU feeding trough. So give the British a democratic chance to vote on both this Constitution and whether EU membership is even wanted.

I voted "No" to the "Common Market" because I read it up and discovered that the ultimate aim of it was a United States of Europe. Thirty-something years down the line it is astonishing that European politicians have managed to fool enough people to have almost accomplished their dream! And STILL many people don't believe that we are already principally controlled by Brussels!

Old people who go to live in a foreign country should learn the language and these spanish building laws have been in existence since 1988. If you want blame someone, then blame the agents and lawyers, they must have known all along

So what your saying. A couple of people purchase a property in spain in 1972 for their retirement. Go through all the correct procedures.Then the law is changed in 1988. So the property that was perfectly legal is now deemed illegal and can be knocked down. Regarding learning the local lingo.Does that apply to all our migrants from the old british empire? There are old people in this group that have still no english language. When their love ones over here bring their old folk to spend the re-mainder of there days with the protection of the NHS and other aid which is not available in their own country. I am fourth generation born and bred in this country. I'm better then most at understanding forms,terms,liability.Ect,ect. But even I have problems Understanding the wordings of purchasing an house or completing my Tax return.Thats why I use a solicitor for one and an accountant for the later.If both we'er as bent as a ten bob note.Then I am as vulnable as theses ex pats

"The lucrative salaries, benefits, slush funds and pensions paid by the EU", to the extent that they may, or may not exist, are exclusive to the rest of Europe but not Britain??! Really. So Whitehall has not faced the odd financial scandal then? I accept the argument based on whether democratising European administration is necessary or not.Sorry I cannot accept though, that Britain runs itself better than all the Europeans together could run Europe. European treaty law (including the last one) was clear that it could not interfere with issues which were of national interest alone. I'm proud of so much that is British, Labour history for example. However I wish to see the Labour flag embrace, cooperate and build a better world with every nation. To me this European project is a central aspect of that. Finally twisted history aside, Neil Kinnock is, and has been, an internationalist who is a pretty fine ambassador for Britain (and in Europe.)

Vincent, thanks for you comments. I agree that the alleged " lucrative salaries, benefits, slush funds and pensions paid by the EU" are paid to ALL those in top EU jobs, that is exactly the problem – it has become self-serving and therefore self propagating. We need a detailed public register of all who benefit from the EU to ensure transparency from those who are deciding our future. I too don’t know if “Britain runs itself better than all the Europeans together could run Europe” --- I really don’t know, we all want a better world but baby and bath water seem to come into mind. But I would like to, (I mean --- demand to), have a vote on whether we accept foreign (collective?) rule. I too respected Kinnock right up to and until he pulled the rug on Marta Andreasen, the European Commission's former chief accountant, when she blew whistle on the lax EU finances during his watch -- This is just the tip of the corruption we must fight against. I’m sorry but if he is seen as a “pretty fine ambassador” for Britain and the EU then we need Mafia protection!

The Lisbon Treaty is not the EU Constitution rehashed, thus a referendum is not necessary. That needs to be made clear. Parliament will I'm sure come to the correct decision eventually. Britain's future is Europe and the alternative is quite frankly isolation and UKIP. Not my choice.

Just let's get it signed! We are becoming the laughing stock of the EU with our prevarication, and our red lines etc. Remember that the vast majority of the 27 members are happy with it, and it's mainly the right wing press here and a few die-hards who think Queen Victoria's still on the throne who are trying to kill it - and get us thrown out.

Your right we are the laughing stock of EU. If i'd coned you into signing away your house your money and your family I would probably have to laugh.

Er - David - the parliamentary committee that scrutinised the "Treaty" concluded (they could hardly have done otherwise) that the "Treaty" IS substantially the same as the Constitution. Please. At least get your FACTS right. I don't mind people saying, yes, we SHOULD be governed from Brussels, fly the blue flag, sing "Ode to Joy", welcome in the Euromilicia, accommodate millions of immigrants, give up the pound: but in doing so, don't try to perpetuate the lies that the politicians would have us believe!

OK. I live in Madrid. Shocked!! Don't be. Honestly it's a great place. It would be greater than London even. But sadly it doesn't have a mayor that even comes close to Ken. I belong to another political party here too. It's Spanish and it's called PSOE (Labour connected). They're great bunch of people like my Labour mates. PSOE loves the European hope. Partly because it helps ensure that another Franco (or even a Mosely) cannot mount a coup whilst the rest of Europe looks on. A treaty can further prevent this. Spanish citizens can pass borders without a passport to certain other EU countries, because Spanish people see fellow Europeans as their local brothers and sisters, not as a foreign threat. The European Parliament has given us the right to elect the administrators who are going to be making continent wide decisions whether we want them to or not. Many of their decisions benefit us. Transport and environmental issues have been improved by political cooperation. The european Parliament has often looked to pool resources in regards to beyond Europe aid. As regards to the referendum. I understand the fear. The Spanish newspaper, Publìco, researched and published an article on the 100 top European myths. You know the sort-the straight banana thing. By the way it was a positive directive that one-ensuring quality food- it suggested that a banana which was past it, usually had the appearance of being very bent. Which country's newspapers do you think contained more than two-thirds of the myths?? Yeah. You got it. The UK's. So in that sense though I believe the pro-treaty argument is winnable it is going to have to face heavy artillary from the myth makers. Finally having worked in London schools from 1997-2006, I saw improvements across the board in deprived areas. It can still get better. The Spanish PSOE want tackle poverty here in Spain. Hey what about this for an idea. Let's get together and pool our resources!

http://ec.europa.eu/unitedkingdom/press/euromyths/index_en.htm is a list of all the euromyths - many dreamt up by Murdoch's finest. As you say, people like the banana myth or the cucumbers or the sausages (from the TV series 'Yes Minister')- I suspect they are all phallic and that appeals to the Sun and the Telegraph readers. The real problem for us is the promise to have a referendum in the first place. No other EU Treaty has had a referendum in the UK. If anyone should have a referendum it is surely the French or the Dutch who rejected it first time around but are not accepting the new draft. Britain is now opting out of huge swathes of it anyway, so it would be really ridiculous and silly to have one now. Who really understands the provisions of the Nice Treaty (currently in operation) and the provisions of the Reform Treaty well enough to have a sensible vote? It's basically a UKIP/Tory Right campaign with a few easily-led people from outside (even in our own party) soggily following them. The populists calling for a referendum haven't even thought through their position, I suspect. It sounds good, but imagine a 20% turnout with the blimps and the UKIPs winning 12%. This seems likely to me, most people think Europe is boring and irrelevant - they don't even vote in the European Elections (unless there's some other election the same day so you might as well while you're in the polling station). A 12% vote then dictates Britain's international policy, at a time when the only way to save our planet is for groups of linked nations to work together. And there would be no European labour norms protecting our people on an international basis.

12% of the electorate, whilst hardly ideal, is considerably better than about 400 MPs, many with vested interests in EU membership.NO MP has a mandate to give away our sovereignty. Open your eyes: see where the EU is leading us!

Tom, you sound like a UKIP person! We SHARE sovereignty with the other members for the good of all. As to "see where the EU is leading us!" - we have elected our MEPs ourselves, and the Council has our reps.on it. The Commission can only propose, and any directives have to be approved by our government. The EU is not an isolated body "over there" telling us what to do. We are a part of it, and, I would wish, an enthusiastic part. I don't understand the desire for a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. We didn't have one about membership of NATO, and that involved sharing sovereignty with certain somewhat larger countries. The EU is not the enemy of the sovereign nation state, it is the only mechanism there is for European governments to wield power on the world stage. What's the alternative?

I know many, many voters, like me who firmly beleive very passionately in the UK's membership of the EC, and of the many benefits we receive in return, and also we are very much in favour for the proposed changes in the constitution or treaty( whatever you wish to call it)to be implemented, nevertheless, I and many, many Labour voters that I speak with, we still wish to be able to use our prerogative to be able to vote 'yes' in a feferendum, as previously promised in 2005- why the change - Our dilemma at the next general election is being a loyal and dutiful member of the Labour Party to we vote for labour or alternatively do we vote for a party that will offer us the opportunity to exercise our democratic right or a third option- do we abstain. Which course of action do you advise we should take Mr. Murphy

I