Government had planned to sneak through constitutional changes without even consulting the House of Assembly, Opposition Leader Pamela Gordon claimed yesterday.

And she said junior Foreign Office Minister Baroness Scotland had said London would not rubber stamp moves to end multi-member constituencies unless they were satisfied the public had been fully consulted.

Ms Gordon, United Bermuda Party Legislative Affairs Spokesman John Barritt and Senator Mark Pettingill met with Baroness Scotland in London on Tuesday.

Ms Gordon said: "We were shocked to learn the PLP Government originally intended to amend Bermuda's Constitution without first consulting the people of Bermuda. They planned to proceed directly to an Order in Council in London.

"Bermudians would have been presented with a fait accompli once approval had been granted.

"We were shocked to hear the self-proclaimed people's party were going to keep the people out of the process.

"Baroness Scotland did not find favour with the PLP's approach. The PLP's position was that there had already been consultation and consequently they should proceed without difficulty by having the amendments merely laid before the Council in London.

"The Baroness rejected their assertion that information published in the manifesto was enough to permit constitutional amendments to proceed, and implored the Bermuda Government to present a paper to the people of Bermuda.

"We understand these discussions on constitutional change have been going on since last year but the Premier had said in February there were no talks going on -- very much of concerns is whether the Premier misled the House.

"Fortunately the Baroness has taken a prudent position on behalf of the Bermudian people.

"Baroness Scotland also gave us repeated assurances that the Order in Council would not be rubber stamped.

"Her Majesty's Government must be satisfied that broad general debate has first taken place.

"The UK Government expects significant participation from the people with full and proper debate being the prerequisite to any constitutional changes being approved.

"What they said to me was that a single debate in the House would not suffice -- they were very clear and unequivocal on that.

"But they are not clear on how much is enough debate.

"However if the people remain silent and do not express their objection to legislation without participation the UK Government may assume that the people of Bermuda wish to adopt the changes as proposed by the Government.

"After careful deliberation it was confirmed that the Opposition must take an active role and give voice to the people's concerns about constitutional reform.

"If the Government fails to sponsor debate prior to amending the constitution then, for the benefit of democracy in Bermuda, the Opposition must take the leadership role.

"The Bermudian people must be given the opportunity to be heard on both the process of constitutional change and the proposed constitutional changes themselves.'' She said the UK Government had not ruled out a constitutional conference but Baroness Scotland had said the UK was not in a position to tell Bermuda to convene one.