The government will face the biggest fight of its life over the European constitution

It was in these pages four weeks ago that the idea of a non-governmental referendum on the new European constitution was first mooted. Paul Robinson explained how, if Tony Blair remained steadfast in his refusal to consult the people, it would be possible to organise a referendum. He could have cited the example of Gibraltar, where last November the government called its own referendum on the British proposal for joint sovereignty with Spain. A fraction less than 99 per cent of voters opposed the Anglo-Spanish scheme. In the face of such opposition Jack Straw, the Foreign Secretary, had little option but to shelve his plans. A similar effect might be produced by a freelance referendum in this country on the European constitution. The editor of this magazine has declared that it could be organised by the Electoral Reform Society, an obviously reputable body, for some £20 million, and I am prepared to take his word for it.