ONE of the first issues that newly-elected MEPs need to address is the Treaty of Lisbon.

Various parties have expressed inconsistent views as to whether a referendum is to take place or, indeed, needed. Perhaps a “No”

vote by Ireland in its second referendum – due to be held before the end of July – will negate the UK’s need to make such a decision as, I believe, the treaty needs to be accepted unanimously by all member states prior to adoption.

If a UK referendum is held, do we have a sufficient understanding of the treaty and its implications?

Without such an understanding, could the result of any future referendum be meaningless and misleading? Most of us need far more information.

For instance, any referendum on the treaty is not a vote on the UK remaining/or leaving the EU – it is a vote on whether we should agree to an EU constitution, but if such a constitution was to be adopted, would it be fully binding on the UK, or could opt-out clauses be insisted on? If the latter, what opt-out issues would the UK require?

Should we decide not to agree to the treaty, which parties would then see the need for a referendum on our future EU membership?

JK Banks, Hett, Durham.