National Liberal Party leader Charles Jeffers is calling for a referendum on whether Bermudians should accept British passports if the United Kingdom offers them.

And, although the head of Bermuda's third party did not say which way he would vote, he did warn that there could be pitfalls ahead if the country voted for full British citizenship.

"The NLP believes that, as Bermudians, we should be asking ourselves if we want to get into a relationship with Britain, or any other country for that matter, where we will find that we are giving up more of our rights to control our own destiny.

"The NLP stated very clearly in our 1994 platform that the only true measure for a decision on independence is by referendum. The full British citizenship issue is cloudy at best but it could have far reaching and long term effects.

We favour a referendum, after considerable public discussion, so that Bermudians can decide if this is the way we want to go.

"We have already been advised that full British citizenship will come with certain conditions attached and the NLP is concerned about the possibilities that we are not being given the whole picture.

"At least four questions come to mind that we feel that the Premier and her Government should feel compelled to answer.

"How binding on future British governments is any arrangement made with the present Labour Government? "As full British citizens, will the Bermuda Government have to comply with any measures decided on by the European Community whether or not they are deemed to be in our best interests? "If opportunities are extended to Bermudians to receive post secondary education in Britain on the same terms and conditions as British students is this fair and acceptable to British taxpayers? "If we are to become full British citizens what is to stop the present or a future British government from making income tax demands on Bermudians?'' Mr. Jeffers' call for a referendum could become a reality soon.

Last week lawyer Philip Perinchief filed a writ against the Premier and Governor claiming that the 1995 referendum was unconstitutional. If a Supreme Court judge agrees with his argument, the Government could be compelled to arrange a second referendum on Independence.

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