Blair: Poll would benefit europhobes

Tony Blair has told European leaders that the only group who would benefit now from a referendum in Britain would be the "Europhobes" who are strongly opposed to any further European integration.

Mr Blair returns to London today after his week-long break in Tuscany to face a growing crisis in Europe over the future direction of the EU after the French and Dutch "no" votes on the constitution.

The Prime Minister has explained to German and French leaders, who are urging Europe to continue with the process of ratification, that holding a referendum in Britain would fuel Eurosceptic feeling.

"We genuinely need a period of reflection and digestion," said a senior government source. "We don't want to pre-empt the European Council or be accused of bringing things in by the back door, but there are some sensible reforms that we could bring in.

"They do understand that for us hold a referendum would serve absolutely no purpose except to boost the Europhobes."

It is understood that Mr Blair's rationale has been accepted in EU capitals, as signalled yesterday in The Independent by a spokesman for Jose Manuel Barroso, the European Commission president.

Mr Blair and the Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, are said to be "relaxed" about today's talks between Mr Schröder and M. Chirac. It has been made clear to them that Britain would not support the creation of an inner core, mooted by Mr Schröder. However, suspicions remain that some may be harbouring hopes of a two-speed Europe.