SNP: Treaty row will undermine Westminster

The ongoing dispute over the Lisbon treaty will undermine trust in politics, the Scottish National party's (SNP) leader in Westminster has warned.

Angus Robertson said the government's defeat of amendments calling for a referendum on the treaty was a "breach of trust with the whole country".

"It is no wonder there is so much cynicism about politicians and the political process, when parties like Labour vote to deny the country the referendum they promised and the Liberal Democrats sit on their hands," he said.

Mr Robertson was especially critical of Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg, who he said had divided his party and lost authority as a leader.

He added: "The resignation of three senior spokespeople is a massive blow to Nick Clegg's leadership and credibility, and he is truly living up to his calamity reputation."