TONY Blair rejected calls this week for a referendum on the EU Constitution.

This was a staggeringly obdurate and arrogant decision and must be challenged. I passionately urge the people of Lancashire to write to Mr Blair demanding he thinks again.

Families in Lancashire must be given the chance to have their say on the constitution because it paves the way for a European Superstate with sweeping powers over our own parliament and justice system.

Under it the EU will cease to be a collection of member states who have chosen to share sovereignty over agreed aspects of their affairs, and instead it will become a legal entity in its own right. This is the reality and it a million miles away from Mr Blairs ghastly claim that the constitution is no more than a tidying up exercise.

This week it became clear that Mr Blair is ready to drop his objections to the constitutions proposal for a charter of fundamental rights allowing European judges to overturn British laws. This has massive implications across virtually all areas of law in the UK.

Furthermore the constitution significantly increases the powers of the central pillars of the EU, namely the European Parliament, the European Commission and the European Court.

It also creates a full time EU President and whittles down the national veto in 31 policy areas.

A growing number EU countries see exactly how important this constitution is and are holding referendums. Britain should be no different. The Constitution really does matter that much.

David Sumberg, Lancashire Conservative MEP.