Where's the spin?

Was it because it extends to just 14 words, or because it suddenly surfaced from somewhere far beneath the political radar, that even the Tories could think of no real objection to the question for Tony Blair's promised referendum on the EU Constitution? Mr Blair promised that "battle would be joined" for a "yes" vote when he bowed to Opposition pressure to let the people decide. In publishing the Bill, though, he seems not to want a whisper of debate on Europe, far less a battle, until after the election. "Yes" is the only answer - but it will not materialise if the Prime Minister does not get out and start campaigning.

Was it because it extends to just 14 words, or because it suddenly surfaced from somewhere far beneath the political radar, that even the Tories could think of no real objection to the question for Tony Blair's promised referendum on the EU Constitution? Mr Blair promised that "battle would be joined" for a "yes" vote when he bowed to Opposition pressure to let the people decide. In publishing the Bill, though, he seems not to want a whisper of debate on Europe, far less a battle, until after the election. "Yes" is the only answer - but it will not materialise if the Prime Minister does not get out and start campaigning.