"We have to respect the vote of the Irish people. It is now for the Irish Government to decide how its wants to proceed from here. Labour MEPs strongly support the Lisbon Treaty - the Treaty is good for the UK and Europe - and we welcome the UK government's commitment to complete the ratification process.
"I am not interested in building institutions for their own sake. However, we need a Union that is fit for purpose and can and will deliver for the people of Europe. I want a European Union that can focus on the real challenges ahead, in particular on creating decent jobs, fighting terrorism and tackling climate change." said Gary Titley MEP.
Richard Corbett, Labour's spokesman on Constitutional Affairs and the European Parliament's rapporteur on the Lisbon Treaty said: "Ireland has said "No", but there are 26 other Member States, the majority of which have already ratified the Treaty, whose opinions matter too.
"All EU countries want to reform the EU, and even the Irish "No" campaigners have said that they want to negotiate a better package. Ireland must have a profound internal debate and tell the rest of Europe what their concerns are".
"The Irish "No" vote is not a catastrophe. Rather, it is a blow to those who want the EU's institutions to work more effectively and democratically. The real catastrophe would be to end discussion on reforms which contain a number of necessary changes that will improve the democratic accountability and efficiency of the EU. We must find a way forward acceptable to all 27 countries".
For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053.
European Parliamentary Labour Party, European Parliament, Rue Wiertz, 1047 BRUSSELS, Belgium
