The British Government moved to calm fears that Constitutional changes could have been made without consulting voters.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office commented on claims made by the Opposition United Bermuda Party that the Government aimed to push through changes to get rid of the current two-MP constituencies without asking the public first.

And they backed statements made by UBP Leader Pamela Gordon, that any moves to replace the constituencies with single seats would not automatically receive approval in London.

A Foreign Office spokesman reaffirmed the position yesterday: "We won't rubber stamp changes to the Constitution. The UK Government takes Orders in Council and amendments to the Constitution very seriously.

"Such issues need to be given due consideration in London.'' The statement comes after a UBP delegation met with Junior Foreign Office Minister Baroness Patricia Scotland to seek reassurances over the planned amendments.

Ms. Gordon said they were heartened that London was taking a firm line in requiring a full consultation process with the community -- not just a single debate and vote in the House of Assembly.

And Deputy Governor Tim Gurney also added weight to the statement by stating that there must be public debate on the issue before it goes forward.

He said: "To the very best of my knowledge it's gone no further than the paper being tabled in the House of Assembly in August.

"Other than meetings between Baroness Scotland and the Premier, and Baroness Scotland and Pam Gordon, nothing else has taken place.

"It was made clear to the Premier and to Pam Gordon that there must be demonstrable public discussion and debate to the proposed changes in the Constitution. But it is not spelt out in full how that must happen.

"It could not go to the Privy Council without going to the House of Assembly first.'' Questions on the issue to the Cabinet Office were not responded to last night.