Referendum on EU Constitution Not Now Needed says Euro-MP

9.28.52pm BST (GMT +0100) Sun 29th May 2005

Responding to the No vote in today's French Referendum, West Midlands Euro-MP Liz Lynne said:

"This is quite clearly a disappointing result. I suspect that people have voted No for a range of reasons from people who do not want anything to do with the European Union to those who just do not like this particular constitution as well as people voting against Jacques Chirac.

"The existing treaties remain in force and the EU will go on in the same way, but the opportunities for Europe to broaden its democratic credentials and strengthen its global influence are in danger of being missed.

"The Constitution is now under severe threat in its present form and there is no need for a referendum here at the moment. It would not only be ridiculous to hold a vote on it now in the uk, it would also be a huge waste of taxpayers money."

ENDS