I READ with dismay that our outgoing Prime Minister intends to sign up to a rewritten version of the EU Constitution before he leaves office.

It is my understanding that all MPs of the main political parties promised their constituents in the 2005 election that they would not vote for a Bill to ratify such a treaty without first gaining our, the voters', consent in a referendum.

Therefore, I expect that my MP in North West Durham, Hilary Armstrong, will honour this commitment both to the letter and spirit on our behalf.

Michael Hawkins, Langley Park.