Well, that's it then...

MPs have rejected proposals to hold a UK-wide referendum on whether to ratify the EU's Lisbon Treaty.

The House of Commons rejected the Conservative proposal by 311 votes to 248 votes following a six-hour debate.

The result means Parliament itself will decide whether to ratify the treaty, signed by EU leaders last December.

Thirteen Lib Dem MPs rebelled against the party's orders to abstain on the referendum vote, with three frontbench spokesmen resigning their posts.

MPs rejected the Conservative amendment to the EU (Amendment) Bill by 63 votes. It is not yet known how many rebels there were among Labour and Conservative MPs.