The British Government is looking for closure on proposed constitutional change before the next UK election, Opposition leader Pam Gordon claimed yesterday.

But the UBP could be in a race against time to have more debate over Government attempts to push through single-seat constituencies as a UK election is likely in May.

Ms Gordon and UBP colleague Senator Kim Swan were in London yesterday to hand over a 8,500-name petition to UK Foreign Office Junior Minister Baroness Scotland calling for a referendum and a constitutional conference.

She said: "They are looking for a timetable for completing constitutional change.

"The impression I got clearly was that they are facing a general election and they would like the loose ends tied up. It was inferred in what we discussed.

"I don't know how we will be able to do all that is required to allow the people of Bermuda to fully participate.'' She said an old-style constitutional conference was not being sought as it was clear London was against the idea.

She said: "It must be some method of dialogue to allow bi-partisan involvement as well as the people of Bermuda.'' She said there were other options the UK could go for including scaled down versions of constitutional conference such as having constitutional commissioners hear from interested parties.

"The Caymans did this. And the Falklands had a joint committee of MPs.'' Another option would be for interested parties to be heard by the Governor.

She said the former UBP Government had been hammered when the PLP were in opposition for not involving people.

Ms Gordon said: "Then for them to turn round and do worse than that? At least under the UBP there were two constitutional conferences ratified by general elections.

"People had some say in what the Government is proposing.'' POLITICS PTL PETITION PTL