London  - Prime Minister Gordon Brown said Monday that Britain would continue the process of ratification of the Lisbon Treaty despite its rejection by Irish voters in a referendum.

"The legal position is clear. The treaty has to be ratified by all 27 members," said Brown. "We will continue the process."

However, Brown also said Ireland now needed a "short period of reflection" over how to move forward following last Friday's referendum.

The Lisbon Treaty on reform of the European Union is due to pass its final stage of ratification in the British Upper House of Parliament - the House of Lords - Wednesday. (dpa)