Blair 'faces Europe rebellion'

Tony Blair is under fire from MPs over the EU constitution

Tony Blair is facing a rebellion within his own party over plans for a new EU constitution, a former minister has warned.

Up to 50 MPs would revolt against the proposals, according to ex-sports minister Kate Hoey.

She told GMTV's Sunday Programme: "There will be a number of Labour members of Parliament who will vote against the constitution."

Mr Blair said on Tuesday a referendum would be held on the constitution.

Britain's interests are best served by saying yes to Europe but no to handing over more control to the EU, Michael Ancram

European constitution

Former Labour leader Neil Kinnock said he believed Mr Blair may "hang up his boots" after a referendum.

He told the BBC's Politics Show that it would be "understandable" if he chose to step down after the vote.

After the "immensely trying period" he had gone through it would be "human" to want to quit, he said.

But there were no guarantees this would happen given Mr Blair's feeling that it was his duty to lead the country, Mr Kinnock added.

Another ex-sports minister, Tony Banks, told GMTV's Sunday Programme that he was against the idea of a referendum but national newspapers had "made it very difficult" for the Prime Minister to say there would not be one.

The pro-Europe Labour MP predicted instead of a "rational debate" people would be "diverted from the truth of the situation by the press".

Meanwhile Sam Younger, chair of the Electoral Commission, told the same programme the commission would have an "advisory power" on the wording of the question put to the British people.

It would have to be "crystal clear" what they were voting for and not lead voters in a particular direction, he said.

Although it had no specific power the commission would "make it clear" if it was not happy with the way the question was phrased, Mr Younger added.

He also believes it is important the vote is not held at the same time as another poll such as a regional referendum or general election.

In addition a good turnout would be needed to ensure a "robust result", particularly in the case of a very close vote, he added.

EU treaty

An ICM survey, commissioned by the New Frontiers Foundation, showed that only 21% would back the proposed EU treaty in a vote.

Commenting on the poll, shadow foreign secretary Michael Ancram said: "Britain's interests are best served by saying yes to Europe but no to handing over more control to the EU, which is what this constitution would mean.

"This poll shows that the British people understand this and they will not be fooled by a government that tries to twist the debate and scare them into thinking that they would be forced to leave the EU if they voted no."

However, EU external relations commissioner Chris Patten - a former Conservative Party chairman - suggested that a "No" vote would make Britain's position within the EU all but untenable.

Interviewed by The Observer, Mr Patten said: "We've got to make our mind up whether we want to make a success of Europe or not."