MPs in the two counties are being urged to say ''no'' to the European Constitution.

On the eve of the Commons debate on the Bill that will ratify the European constitution and set up a referendum on the issue, all eight of Herefordshire's and Worcestershire's Conservative MPs and parliamentary candidates have set up a campaign for a ''no'' vote.

The Tory members have urged other parties to join them in the initiative.

"Whoever wins this year's election will hold a referendum later in the year or early next year," said Peter Luff, MP for Mid Worcestershire.

"The Conservatives will bring it on quickly and campaign for a 'no' vote, while the Labour Party would prefer to drag it out in an attempt to persuade people to vote 'yes'.

"We need to start building support now for the no campaign - and to identify supporters who can work with us in that."

West Worcestershire MP Sir Michael Spicer reminded people that if it was introduced, the European Constitution would for the first time enable European laws to overrule British law without Parliament being able to intervene in the matter.

Referendum

"It is up to the British people to reject it in a referendum," he said.

"The Constitution is an unnecessary distraction from the real issues facing Europe.

"Europe must become more flexible, less centralised, and more outward looking, not more centralised and bureaucratic."

Julie Kirkbride, MP for Bromsgrove, agreed. "This is another step on the road to a European Superstate," she said.

"We want to remain British with our own laws and our own Government."

Bill Wiggin, MP for Leominster, is also throwing his weight behind the campaign.

"Throwing out the Constitution is a battle Britain needs to win."