When Secret Plans Go Awry

Incoming British Prime Minister Gordon Brown is readying the nuclear option.

Gordon Brown defied Tony Blair last night by making clear he is prepared to give the British people a referendum on plans to resurrect the European constitution.

Geoff Hoon, the Minister for Europe, revealed that Mr Brown was ready to stage a national poll if Europe's leaders try to force through a deal that was unacceptable to Britain at this week's EU summit.

Last night, sources close to Mr Brown confirmed his position, with one describing Mr Hoon's comments as a "sensible" analysis of the situation.

Europe's leaders know such a move would kill off any hopes of a treaty because the British people would almost certainly vote it down.

Mr Hoon's intervention comes just two days after Number 10 had explicitly ruled out the need to hold a referendum, despite the Prime Minister's promise three years ago to do so.

It also threatens to reopen divisions between Mr Brown and Mr Blair as they prepare for joint talks with Nicolas Sarkozy, the French president, tomorrow.

Can we call Tony Blair a French poodle, yet?