The PM stated that he had not given up the option of taking Britain into the euro. And yet Tony Blair, seemingly in the throes of a massive mea culpa, still cannot recognise the basic truth – that British public opinion overwhelmingly demands a voice on the EU Constitution.

He spoke of false choices. But it is the Labour Leader that presents false choices on Europe. He used fear, he offered a false scenario that Britain must either follow him into a centralised Europe or be vulnerable and isolated if we choose to preserve our democracy.

The PM said that his views on Europe offend people. He is right. The British public have demanded that they have the final say as to whether or not the UK signs up to Valéry Giscard d’Estaings EU Constitution. The failure to listen will rank as a major mistake.

Tony Blair’s Government has the unenviable task of trying to push through Parliament a highly controversial Treaty without allowing the people the chance to decide in a referendum. Without this the New Labour administration will provoke resentment and become riddled with internal divisions.