UK Independence Party leader Nigel Farage has praised the decision of the Polish President Lech Kaczynski not to sign the Lisbon Treaty. Mr Kaczynski said it would be "pointless" signing the treaty following its rejection by Irish voters.

"If only Gordon Brown had shown such courtesy to the Irish and the people of Europe who were not given a voice," Mr Farage said.

Mr Kaczynski made his announcement on the first day of France's presidency of the EU and Mr Farage said French President Nicholas Sarkozy had been right when he said that Europe worried people.

"The reaction of the Euro nationalists after the 'no' vote shows why," the UKIP leader added. "To them, democracy is a hurdle which needs to be cleared and the will of the people something to be ignored.

"But thankfully there are some politicians left with an ounce of decency."