TONY Blair’s U-turn on a referendum on the European Constitution has drawn support from both Euro-sceptic and Euro-friendly MEPs representing Kent.

But there was a warning that even if voters rejected the constitution, Britain could still be forced to sign up to the treaty, which will spell out what the EU can and cannot do.

Meanwhile, Kent MP and Conservative leader Michael Howard taunted Mr Blair, saying no-one would now believe any commitments he made.

United Kingdom Independence Party MEP Nigel Farage, who represents the south east, said the small print in the proposed constitution meant it could still go ahead even if up to five member states vetoed it.

“We have been battling for this for years and Tony Blair has made the terms very clear. Either we are in Europe or we are on the margins, and that really means being out of it. That is what this is about and I welcome the challenge. It is a battle Tony Blair could not avoid,” he said.

Kent Labour MEP Mark Watts said: "A referendum campaign will be a golden opportunity to defeat the anti-Europeans and I am very confident that, just as in 1975, those who oppose our membership of the EU will lose, and badly, when the people have their say,” he said.

"When the proposals in the new treaty are explained, people realise they make sense.”

Liberal Democrat MEP Chris Huhne said: “The referendum will give those of us who want Britain to stay in the European Union a once-in-a-generation chance to make the case for institutions that are in Britain’s national interests by delivering peace, prosperity and power over problems like the environment that nation states are no longer able to tackle.”

He said scares stories were poisoning public opinion and a referendum meant voters would be able to decide on the arguments.

The referendum is unlikely to take place until after the next election.