A REFERENDUM on the new EU constitution will give Britain a chance to drain poison from its system, poison for too long spread through the lies and distortions of the eurosceptics.

It will in effect be a referendum on whether Britain is to play its part in making the policies of the European Union, or withdraw to its status as George Bush's personal poodle.

The time is long overdue for eurosceptics to be forced to explain how Britian is going to shape the policies of a single market including nearly 500 million people without being a full member of the EU.

They are going to have to tell us how we tackle the immense problems of the environment, of terrorism and organised crime, of immigration and asylum seekers, without developing common policies with our European partners.

Glib answers will not suffice. The eurosceptics must present practical alternatives and I look forward to playing my part in tearing them to shreds.

They have plenty of cheap criticisms but nothing that addresses the reasons why even staunch critics like Margaret Thatcher eventually played such an important role in creating the modern EU.

No political system is perfect. I want major changes made both in European policies and decision-making.

The constitution will help make it possible to achieve these reforms.

It is in every respect an improvement upon the existing situation. Let battle begin.

Chris Davies, Liberal Democrat MEP for the North West.