SIR - I fully agree with Andrew Cope's opinions in his In My View' column (T&A, December 14).

I should, however, add to his comments on Brown's refusal to allow a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. We deserve better than this and that residents of all the countries in the EU deserve better but, perhaps, we vent our feelings more publicly.

What should be stressed is that the Treaty is self-amending, without ratification, by any member sovereign state or, should I say, region of the EU.

This makes it absolutely imperative that we, the people, have our say.

Phillip Bird, Nab Wood Terrace, Shipley