IT has long been rumoured that Tony Blair aspires to be President of Europe, and this has now been confirmed by a reliable press report.

Unfortunately for him, that exalted position does not yet exist. It would have been created by article I-22 of the constitution, and no doubt that provision will be kept in the Mark II constitution which he says should be pushed through Parliament without a referendum.

Before they vote for that treaty, in open defiance of their many constituents who still want the referendum they were promised before the last general election - 83 per cent of adults across the country, according to a recent poll - Labour MPs should look ahead a few years to the next election.

Would they really be prepared to see their own political careers brought to a premature end, while their ex-boss enjoyed his extended career on the European stage?

MURIEL PARSONS, Berkshire chairman, Campaign for an Independent Britain, Reading.