plans to reform the constitution at a public meeting tonight.

The UBP will outline how it thinks Government should proceed with reforms to introduce single-seat constituencies and reduce the number of MPs.

The Opposition has previously called for a constitutional conference and/or a referendum on the changes, claiming Government has tried to steamroller through the reforms.

UBP leader Pamela Gordon told The Royal Gazette last night the party will give a considered response based on consultations, but that it was still open to further changes if other people offer reasonable solutions.

Ms Gordon refused to reveal the specifics in advance of tonight's meeting, which begins at 7.30 p.m. in Christ Church Hall, Middle Road, Devonshire.

The UBP has said it supports the Progressive Labour Party's plans for "one man, one vote of equal value,'' but it does not believe this will be achieved by the changes advocated by Government.

Ms Gordon will be joined on the platform by lawyers John Barritt, the Shadow Legislative Affairs Minister, and Mark Pettingill, a UBP Senator.

Premier Jennifer Smith initially insisted a debate in the House of Assembly would be sufficient consultation, after which a Boundaries Commissioner would be appointed to recommend specific changes.

She has since agreed to hold a single public meeting in St. Paul A.M.E. Church Hall, Hamilton, ten days ago. She has now agreed to further meetings, although no dates have been set.

Baroness Scotland, the Foreign Office Minister responsible for Overseas Territories, has said there must be "demonstrable'' public consultation before the British Government will rubber stamp the changes, although London has never spelled out what form this must take.

POLITICS PTL