The Prime Minister said the constitution would be debated by MPs first before giving the public the final say.

The referendum will be the first major gauge of public opinion on the EU since the 1975 referendum on whether Britain should stay in the Common Market.

ASK IRISH PM Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern will answer your questions on EU expansion on Wednesday. Send your question

Do you welcome a referendum on the proposed EU constitution? Send us your views.

The following comments reflect the balance of the opinion we have received:

We really need to come to grips with the fact that we are no longer a serious world power Keiran Allan, Aberdeen

Delusions of grandeur are rampant in this discussion. The idea that Britain is "pivotal" to EU success is ridiculous. We really need to come to grips with the fact that we are no longer a serious world power. The only way for Britain to survive is to join the EU. If the EU is not firmly established in 20-30 years time, we will be left in the wake of future superpowers such as China and India.
Keiran Allan, Aberdeen

Why can't we have a European President elected directly by the people, instead of by the politicians? Also, the unelected Commission has far too much power, which should reside with the European Parliament.
George, Durham, UK

It makes me laugh when people quote the faceless Brussels bureaucrats running our lives but are quite happy for Rupert Murdoch to snap his fingers and Tony Blair runs to his feet.
Kevin Rayner, Watford

I am frustrated by the people who seem to think that we either have to be a part of the EU or a part of the US. Why can't we simply stand alone as a nation, and not have to belong to a larger conglomerate?
Anon, Nottingham, UK

Facts are likely to take a backseat Guy Liddell, Halifax

Europe has been a running sore for years, marked by ill-tempered debate and misrepresentation. If holding a referendum allows us to move on to other things, it should be welcomed. Sadly, facts are likely to take a backseat - some newspapers have been running scare stories for years.
Guy Liddell, Halifax

For the last 30 years, we have been tricked by the EU. We were told it was a simple trading block and that is what we joined. Slowly and quietly, it has become a political entity with tentacles reaching into every aspect of our lives. Throw out the Constitution and leave the EU.
Andrew Howlett, England

I find it incredible that those of a pro-EU persuasion claim that those with the opposite view are "little Englanders". Perhaps they just happen to be of the view that they would like to be governed by those they elect. It's nothing new and it's not radical. Quite the opposite. Also, do not forget that there are European nations which are not in the EU but which can have the benefit of access to EU markets. So have the vote, but do not be swayed by the pro-EU scare lobby, do not think about union with the USA and do not think about lost markets. This issue is about political union and the right to govern.
David, UK

I welcome the referendum as a guide to general feeling towards EU membership. The Constitution Treaty is no more than a structuring of all the small treaties that have gone before. With the expansion of the EU it is really essential that the basic rules are set in place so all members states know what is what. Those who trouble to read the draft treaty will realise that there is nothing new and in fact it gives tighter control to the legislative bodies of each member state.
Dr Margaret Atkins, Wellingborough, Northants

People will vote according to their opinions on Europe Zoe, Sheffield, UK

This referendum isn't necessary - the constitution contains nothing that previous treaties like Maastricht didn't already set out. People will vote according to their opinions on Europe, not on the constitution. This U turn is unnecessary and proves just how weak Tony Blair's situation is.
Zoe, Sheffield, UK

Let us take the electoral process back from the streets, into the discussion and debate halls. Lower volume and less dramatic slogans have been known to result in deeper understanding of issues and intelligent choices.
H K Livingston, London, UK

To all naysayers: how many of you actually read the draft constitution (which actually protects national sovereignty much better than now)? Pitiful.
Yann, Paris, France

I do welcome a referendum on whether or not to ratify a written EU constitution. At the moment in the UK we have, I think, the best situation of any democracy in the world. We may not have a written Bill of Rights but instead we have a fluid constitution that allows us to do anything other than those things that we know are illegal. I'd much rather have this freedom than a document dictating what I would be allowed to do and a document whose compilation has been overseen by a man who was removed from public office by popular vote 23 years ago.
Tim, North Yorkshire

If the referendum campaign can be used to dispel some of these ridiculous myths at least it will have achieved something Simon, UK

There is not a huge bureaucracy in Brussels overseeing us. There are fewer bureaucrats in Brussels than in the average County Council. If the referendum campaign can be used to dispel some of these ridiculous myths at least it will have achieved something. The EU has played a large part in cementing democracy in countries such as Spain, Portugal and Greece. It can now do the same for the eight new members from the former Soviet bloc. We should be proud to be members of such an organisation.
Simon, UK

A bad idea - most people's vote will be based on ignorance and prejudice whipped up by the largely anti-EU ranting from the press.
David Morris, UK

Mark, 'England': If you think the UK has done nothing then come up to the North East and see all of the industrial regeneration schemes and sites which have been part funded by the EU. MY guess is you know (like so many others) very little about the EU beyond the untruths propagated by the right-wing media (owned let us not forget by men so proud of their countries that the immediately switched them to get the biggest tax-breaks. Maybe you should respect the democratic vote that so many people struggled to gain, by actually doing some research on the subject.
Cei, Peterlee, Great Britain

Continental Europe: Public transport is clean and reliable; no or low waiting times for clean and efficient hospitals; state funded six year higher education... Britain: Dump. Given the choice between "bureaucrats in Brussels" and those incompetents we have in Britain to chose from to 'lead' us, I'll take a federal Europe.
Dan, UK

Speaking as someone who enjoys the other European countries and likes visiting them I think we should vote no. The theory of a common market and values is lovely but the reality is we are all different countries with different economies and cultures and trying to pretend we are all the same is going to be our downfall.
Lianne, Cannock, UK

Matters of national sovereignty are the prerogative of the people - not MPs who are temporary appointees.
Stan Jones, Wigan England

We expend so much effort on the EU that I believe it is one of the major setbacks to our progress as a country. Ours is not a choice between the USA or the EU - it's a choice between a UK that works for itself or that works for the elite in Brussels. I say be selfish for once!
Russ, London, UK

When the 'no' side win the referendum, will a referendum be held time and again until we give the correct answer as we have seen many times in the rest of the EU or will they accept the verdict of the people once and for all just as they would if the people had voted yes?
Wayne Morris, Port Talbot, Great Britain

There should be a referendum in the rest of Europe about whether we still want the UK as a part of the EU or not. Enough with your arrogance
Aristeidis Epitropou, Athens, Greece

This is a political process and has no bearing on any economic benefits Chris Kisch, Milton Keynes, UK

This "tidying-up" exercise is the single most important aspect of joining Europe. Signing up will result in a severe weakening of any outcome of further referenda on the issue. The action of signing up to this constitution will result in the loss of UK sovereignty and all independent powers. This is a political process and has no bearing on any economic benefits - if there are any at this time. The loss of links with the world's most powerful nation will do great damage to our economy.
Chris Kisch, Milton Keynes, UK

I seem to remember being offered a referendum on Europe after 97 election, it never happened, we were told we would have a referendum on euro entry after the last general election, funny that never appeared either! Well at least the government have embraced one European custom! Everything is manyana !
Neil, East Grinstead UK

With the right to vote comes the responsibility to understand the issues at hand, and not just be blindly led by the first news source they come across. Equally, how many people who are crying for a referendum will go out and vote when it starts to rain on polling day?
Ben Temperton, Wiltshire

Why is it that "Euro-sceptic" or "Euro-hostile" views are vilified in the way they are, with the suggestion that they make you some kind of racist, traitor, or simply too stupid to understand the issues? I can form my own opinions on what I hear and read (not tabloid trash), and my views are quite simple: a common trading block does not need a constitution, currency, flag or any other trappings of statehood, and legislation should be debated and passed by a country's government and people, without outside interference. End of story - vote NO.
Graham, Leeds, England

Why waste tax payers money on a vote when we know the majority of people in the UK do not want any constitutional changes where Europe is involved ? I do hope that when this is campaigned for it is done so in a balanced way with each argument being fairly represented rather than us the minions being marketed to as usual.
Clarky, London

I allay myself to Mark of Tokyo, Japan, who has taken up my concern that politicians are chosen for us by political parties, who in turn, are funded by self-interested groups. In turn, Members of Parliament are drawn from the legal "profession", which in itself is a discredited bunch. The Hutton Report comes to mind here. So, where is the true Representation of the People Act being carried out? Nobody "elects" a Government, nor do they "elect" a Prime Minister.
Martin Levin, Woodford Green, Essex, UK

They certainly will not be happy to bail out a bankrupt UK with a huge unemployment and social security problem Reilly, Southampton

Nearly every day we hear of British jobs being lost due to companies closing down factories and switching production to new EEC members like Romania or Poland etc, where their profits can be swelled by cheaper labour. This is a sad story we should all be used to hearing (Terrys Chocolate of York is a good recent example). Add to this the continual export of customer services jobs to the Far East and there will soon be nothing here that the EEC will want in their Federation.

They certainly will not be happy to bail out a bankrupt UK with a huge unemployment and social security problem. The French and Germans may be all for the EEC, but they are very nationalistic when it comes to their own interests or the placing of work. We all must be totally European for the EEC to succeed as a Federation - if we cannot it is doomed and we are wasting our time even voting.
Reilly, Southampton, UK

Yes, I welcome a referendum! About time we silence the doom Prophets - the Eurosceptics! Personally, I don't care about Europe at all but I can honestly say I do understand Mr Blair's argument - we are either in or out! And to be honest, I'll rather be in.
Bill, Reading, UK

It is high time we got out of Europe for good. There is absolutely no benefit to us inside the EU, as it is already a state without a country. Staying in this federation is a serious mistake.
Neil Wilkes, London, England

Just say yes and then do what all the other countries in the EU do. Carry out the bits they like and ignore the bits they don't. They all signed up to privatising their state industries but haven't done it. They all signed up to the Stability Pact but happily break it. Are they penalised? Not much point as they don't pay up anyway.
John, France

As this is such an important decision we should...
1. Be given as many facts as possible and,
2. It should be made illegal not to vote.
Bob, UK

We need to be very careful at this stage in our history about the choice we make. Although a constitution will be presented in such a way as to clarify we will retain control over major national decisions we will have to give up our veto on certain social and other important issues. Every one should realise that this won't be the end of the story, in time constitutions are amended. As to the question of the UK being in or out of Europe what is wrong with the Status Quo?
Stephen Jones, London

I have my sincere doubts that they are able to make a rational decision Peter Korsten, Attard

The UK electorate is free to choose what they want, even though I have my sincere doubts that they are able to make a rational decision. But if the British would block the EU Constitution for all other countries - because that's what would happen - then they should also leave the EU altogether. Then they can go and pretend their island is just off the coast of North America, and not in a silly place like Europe.
Peter Korsten, Attard, Malta

This is a clever move, primarily because Mr Blair knows that the EU Constitution won't be agreed by the British government, this especially likely due to Spain's position to support the Franco-German alliance.
Philip Curds, London, UK

If the vote is no will it be accepted or, like in the Irish vote on the Nice treaty, will we be forced to keep voting until we produce the right answer?
Chris, Torquay

I am happy that we will have the opportunity to vote on the issue. I congratulate the conservative to create this opportunity for all of us. I think this constitution will create more problems that the actual framework and I am sure we can continue to integrate Europe without it. The text of the proposed constitution is of so poor quality, long and uninspiring that it only deserves a no vote.
Gianfranco Luppi, London, UK

There is much concern in the minds of American citizens, that our long-time British partners will fail to realize that the EU does not share the common values that we Americans and British share. England should vote no on the EU Constitution. A vote for yes, will mean the end of England, and our friendship.
Robert Ellison, Jacksonville, USA

As this is a referendum, an independent body should produce a document detailing the main provisions of the constitution and their implications. The political parties are then given a section each to argue for or against each part. Hopefully this would give people a opportunity to make a reasoned decision based on the facts rather than the half truths, untruths and nationalistic hysteria likely to be generated by the press.
JS Willcox, London

This is too important a matter to be left to politicians. Every individual Briton must be allowed to pass judgement on his or her own future.
Michael Butterworth, Bognor Regis, UK

A plea to the BBC. Please provide full information on the draft constitution - preferably in regular programmes leading up to the referendum. We deserve an unbiased explanation of the draft constitution in order to be able to make an informed choice. This is an issue where the BBC can make a difference and stay true to their charter. I do not wish to see a vote skewed by bad or self-serving journalism.
Lynda Forrest, Glasgow

The main problem with this issue is that very few people in the UK trust politicians any more Ian, Norfolk

In my opinion the main problem with this issue is that very few people in the UK trust politicians any more. For too long we have been fed half truths and spin that the real information has been blurred. I think the fact that Blair has called the referendum now is a tactical move, as is the resurrection again of the hunting vote, to divert attention from more important issues. In any case the date for the referendum will only be set when the result will be good for the government NOT for the British people.
Ian, Norfolk

I for one think we should vote YES. All this anti-EU sentiment is over the top. I believe a more united Europe is better for all of us and I am in favour of a federal Britain as well as a federal Europe. Let us play constructive part in the largest economic bloc in the world.
Mark, Barnstaple, England

I am more likely to vote on this referendum than in a general election.
Andrew, London

I welcome a referendum because it will give us Brits the opportunity to voice our disapproval of the failed EU polices on agriculture, fisheries and Third World aid. On top of that we have a huge bureaucracy overseeing us from Brussels where corruption is rife. Reject the constitution with a No vote and do not let us be misled by the Europhiles who will try to persuade us that it is a straight forward issue of being in/out
Lloyd, Newport, Wales

EU grants UK money Mark, England

When the EU does something radical i.e. something to benefit us instead of diverting our wealth to countries with little working ethic to speak of, then I shall become a European. Spain has a new high speed rail link, but it would be interesting to know whose money paid for it. EU grants UK money. Don't bite the hand�
Mark, England

A number of people have mentioned Churchill. He also coined the phrase "United we stand, Divided we fall" when referring to the European democracies - perhaps we should approach this debate considering this point in these dangerous times...
Peter, London

Well, I for one am looking forward to the referendum campaign. The UK Independence Party and the Campaign for an Independent Britain are always so entertaining with their conspiracy theories. I love the way that they view anything they don't like as a Brussels plot to destroy our way of life. Hopefully, the average person in the street will recognise them just as conspiracy theories and not as fact.
Graham, Andover, England

Most people who tell pollsters they are against the Constitution know nothing about it. Perhaps with a referendum, there will be a chance to raise public awareness and challenge the anti-European media spin.
Mike, Exeter, UK