French voters reject European Constitution

12.40.55am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 30th May 2005

Commenting on France's 'no' vote in the referendum on the European Constitution, Baroness Sarah Ludford, MEP for London and Liberal Democrat European justice spokeswoman said:

"The French people have sent a mixed message that amounts to little more than 'stop the world I want to get off!'"

"It is a vote to resist the economic changes and reforms that are essential if Europe is to face up to the challenges of the modern world."

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

"Liberal Democrats support the constitutional treaty. It has already been ratified by ten countries and we would like Britain to follow suit, but a date for a UK referendum cannot be set until Europe's leaders have taken stock and decided where they go from here."