WITH the increasingly acrimonious debate over the relative merits of the new constitution, it is easy to overlook the significance of the enlargement of the EU.

The accession of ten new member states is a momentous occasion, one to celebrate.

We must not forget that the founding fathers of the EU almost half a century ago were from a generation who endured the horrors of two wars and contemplated a continent divided into two militarised blocs.

The enlargement of the EU to 25 member states, including eight from the former Soviet bloc, would be beyond their wildest dreams.

Their guiding principle was to avoid Europe being ravaged by war ever again. The growth of the EU can only help in the pursuit of peace and co-operation.

It is inevitable that a set of rules for 15 member countries will not meet the needs of running an EU of 25 countries. A new constitution is an inevitable and eminently sensible development.

Mr Blair's insistence on the need for a referendum, however, remains baffling.

The constitution, although the subject of consultation and discussion, has not been drawn up. Whether it will be of such radical proportions that it warrants a referendum remains to be seen.

By calling a referendum, Mr Blair is not opening up a debate on the new constitution. On the contrary, he is re-opening the debate of whether or not Britain should be part of Europe.

Surely that was the debate we had when the referendum in 1975 was held?

The enlargement of the EU offers Britain the opportunity to play a central role in the decision-making process that will determine the shape of Europe in years to come.

A referendum will simply serve to re-open the divisions between the Europhiles and the Eurosceptics, and sideline us from the debate all other countries will be having on the future of the new Europe.