What we are interested in is a simplification of the legal framework in which the EU operates.

Jack Straw Foreign Secretary

If that added up to a "constitution" then so be it, he told BBC News.

The Conservatives claim a written constitution is the first step towards a European "super state."

Mr Straw's proposal is one of a series of ideas he has come up with to make the EU more democratic - and more popular with voters.

Controversial remarks

He outlined his proposals in a speech at The Hague later on Thursday.

It was billed as the most important speech on Europe since Mr Straw became foreign secretary.

In his speech, Mr Straw set out proposals to strengthen the European Council of Ministers, the gathering of politicians from member states which takes key policy decisions.

He also called for new rights for citizens to prevent the European Commission ruling on issues that should be the preserve of member states.

'Constitution is a label'

Asked on BBC Radio 4's Today programme if he could rule out a written EU constitution, Mr Straw said: "What we are interested in is a simplification of the legal framework in which the EU operates.

"You can call it a constitution if you like.

Many organisations had constitutions and what mattered was "what is inside the text", said Mr Straw.

The shadow foreign secretary branded Straw's speech a "incoherent mish-mash"

EU successes had not been appreciated because of its processes were so cumbersome.

"There is a gulf of understanding at the moment between the citizen and the EU, notwithstanding the fact that the EU has achieved some heroic tasks.

"It has secured peace in Europe over the past 55 years and it has made Europe prosperous and we in the UK have benefited from that."

There were many areas where the EU should have "a lighter touch or no touch at all" and power should go back to the nation state, said Mr Straw.

'Better delivery'

In his speech, Mr Straw focused on the role of the new Convention on the Future of Europe.

The new body's objective, he suggested, should be to devise strategies for achieving "better decision-making, better democracy and better delivery".

The convention, chaired by ex-French President Valery Giscard d'Estaing, was set up last year to devise a package of possible changes to the EU's treaties and working methods in 2004.

Mr Straw also called for changes to the way the president of the European Council is elected, preferring a two year term rather than the current six-month rotation.

The Conservatives welcomed moves to end the six month rotation of the EU presidency.

'Unwelcome shift'

But shadow foreign secretary Michael Ancram described Mr Straw's speech as an "incoherent mish-mash", wavering between trying to reconnect EU institutions with the people and pushing for more integration.

"The general thrust is further integration and our ability to determine our own future will be further weakened," said Mr Ancram.

But Mr Straw's words did get support from Lib Dem foreign affairs spokesman Menzies Campbell.

"Whilst not agreeing with all of the Straw proposals, there is little doubt that they represent a welcome breath of fresh air in the turgid debate about the future of Europe," he said.

Mr Campbell warned the UK would exercise little influence in Europe while "feuding over the euro" - arguments also criticised by the Tories.

That follows Europe Minister Peter Hain's comments that a referendum on euro entry could be held as early as Spring 2003 if the economic tests are met.

Treasury sources have accused Mr Hain of making "random musings about market sensitive information".

Mr Straw defended his junior minister, telling Today: "Peter uses some dramatic metaphorical language to get across a point and he is doing a very good job."