UNTIL the weekend, the Prime Minister and his senior colleagues were unequivocal on the question of a referendum on the EU constitution.

It did not represent a significant shift in our relationship with Europe, and was therefore capable of being determined at ministerial and parliamentary level.

Mr Blair's rapid U-turn on the issue demonstrates the timidity which has been a feature of his Government since 1997. The timidity which restrained him during five years in office from raising taxes to fund investment in public services; the timidity which saw him cave in to the demand of the fuel protestors; and the timidity which has seen him procrastinate for seven years on decisive action to fulfill his party's pledge to outlaw foxhunting.

From a Prime Minister who has won two landslide election victories, and appears confident of winning an historic third term in office, we do not expect such timidity.

Mr Blair is prepared to evade tough decisions and controversial issues if such avoidance might be to his electoral advantage.

He is prepared to contemplate a referendum of the EU constitution not because he thinks it merits one, but merely because it suits his electoral purposes.

In the forthcoming European elections and the next General Election, the demand for a referendum was due to be the key component of the Conservative Party's campaign. And the demand would have struck a chord which the substantial number of voters who are eurosceptic by nature.

Rather than have the courage to defend at the polls his stance on Europe and the proposed EU constitution, Mr Blair has opted to neutralise the issue.

Legislation by plebiscite equates to weak and ineffective leadership, and holding a referendum undermines our system of government.

And Mr Blair's U-turn undermines his credibility.