British Prime Minister Tony Blair today confirmed to the House of Commons he had changed his mind on a referendum ratifying the EU constitution.
"Parliament should debate it in detail and decide upon it. Then let the people have the final say," he said.
Tory leader Mr Michael Howard welcomed "the fact that the Prime Minister has at long last seen sense on this issue and decided to give the British people their say on a question of such vital importance". But he mocked Mr Blair for not being able to bring himself to let the word referendum pass his lips.
The constitution has not been finalised but following recent changes of government in Poland and Spain - the two countries holding up ratification - agreement among EU states could be reached during Ireland's presidency, which ends on May 31st.
"The question will be on the treaty, but the implications go far wider. It is time to resolve once and for all whether this country, Britain, wants to be at the centre and heart of decision-making or not," Mr Blair said.
He said the new constitution was needed because of the EU's enlargement from 15 to 25 and later 27 member states.
Mr Blair was barracked by opposition Conservative MPs as he made his 10-minute statement.
Mr Howard reminded Mr Blair of his Labour Party conference speech last year when he declared he had no reverse gear. "Today we could hear the gears grinding as he came before us once again, lips quivering," said Mr Howard. "Who will ever trust him again?"
Cheering Tory MPs cried "more, more!" as Mr Howard reminded Mr Blair of his repeated statements ruling out a referendum on the proposed constitution.