Blair risks revolt with EU plan

Tony Blair is ready to risk a new revolt from Labour MPs by bringing forward moves to ratify the European Union's proposed new constitution.

Government sources claim the Prime Minister wants to force the issue to a vote in the Commons later this year. He insists there is no need for a referendum because he would never sign a document that damaged Britain's interests.

But former social security minister Frank Field warned at least 30 Labour MPs were "deeply troubled" about the proposed constitution, which critics claim will hand over important elements of Britain's sovereignty to Brussels.

The row will flare in the Commons today when Mr Blair reports back from last week's Euro-summit in Brussels. The Prime Minister also faces opposition from the Tories and Liberal Democrats.

Leading ministers are privately warning him his hardline "no referendum" stance may not survive a serious Labour revolt - although his supporters claim he wants a constitutional document on the table so he can "shoot down the myths" about it.

No 10 would not comment on reports a Bill may be put to Parliament in this session.

Mr Blair has insisted he would never retreat over tax, defence and foreign policy. He said these would always be the "prerogative" of Parliament and the British people.

EU leaders have set a 17 June deadline for agreement on the constitution. European Parliament elections are on 10 June.