Come clean on snap Europe vote, Blair told

The Prime Minister is understood to be considering seriously a move to undermine the Conservatives’ demands for a poll on the new European Union constitution by ordering a referendum on Britain’s place in the EU.

The mere prospect of such a poll provoked widespread approval in the anti-constitution lobby with the Sun newspaper already declaring it "a victory" for their campaign to give voters a say on whether to sign up to the new EU constitution.

However, the Tories last night signalled a note of caution at the proposed poll and suggested it was merely a gimmick promoted by Downing Street as a political fix.

Despite the reports that No 10 was seriously considering a poll, the Tories pointed out that Mr Blair has repeatedly rejected their demands and similar requests by the Liberal Democrat to give the public a say on the controversial constitution.

Michael Ancram, the shadow foreign secretary, said such a referendum on whether or not Britain should remain in Europe or opt out would be "fraudulent".

He said: "We are fed up with gimmicks designed to distract attention away from the real issues.

"If Tony Blair is going to hold a referendum, he should hold it on the EU constitution and not hold a fraudulent debate on being in or out of Europe."

Downing Street insisted last night that Mr Blair’s opposition to staging a referendum on Europe and the new constitution had not changed.

The Prime Minister has ruled out giving voters a say on the new European Union constitution, and that applied to a wider poll on Britain’s place in the EU, a No 10 spokeswoman said.

A source told the Sun: "Tories will go into the next election saying they are ready to offer people a say while we won’t.

"If we hold a referendum, it will call their bluff because they have no alternative policy except to pull out."

But the No 10 spokeswoman insisted Mr Blair’s position had remained "consistent".

Pressed on the issue last week, his official spokesman told journalists: "Which part of ‘No’ don’t you understand?"

The spokeswoman said last night: "The position remains consistent. The position applies, whether to the constitution or Europe as an issue."

European leaders have set a 17 June deadline for agreement on the constitution.

Bertie Ahern, the Irish prime minister holding the EU presidency, said all sides must be prepared to compromise in order to achieve agreement.

But the government has insisted its "red lines" on tax, defence, foreign policy, social policy and the criminal justice system will not be crossed.

Campaigners for a referendum on the EU constitution today claimed: "The door appears slowly to be opening on a vote."

Michael McManus, of the Vote 2004 group, said: "We welcome any indication that the government may be reconsidering its position.

"However, the referendum should be on whether voters accept the terms of the European Constitution or not.

"Anyone who pretends that this amounts to an "in or out" question on the EU itself is being dishonest."

Lynne Jones, a Labour MP and Vote 2004 supporter added "I hope that the government is planning to call a referendum.

"Tony Blair shouldn’t be scared off by those who say the result is a foregone conclusion - the debate has only just begun.

"The government should have the courage of its convictions and give voters a say."