Arch liar and war criminal, Tony Blair has confirmed he has abandoned plans for a referendum on any new EU treaty to replace the failed EU constitution.

In an interview with seven continental newspapers, including the Financial Times, the prime minister said he expects to agree "the basic outline agreement for a treaty" making organisational changes at his final European summit in June.

However he argued that as this would be a scaled-back version of the constitution that was defeated in French and Dutch referendums in 2005, no poll would be required in Britain.

Asked whether the treaty he foresees would require the public approval he promised in 2004, Blair said: "No. If it's not a constitutional treaty, so that it alters the basic relationship between Europe and the member states, then there isn’t the same case for a referendum." (This is a total reversal of his promise for a referendum)

Blair acknowledged that the public, Opposition and press may be unhappy about the idea of producing a "constitution-lite", although he pointed out that the Tories did not hold a referendum on the more extensive Maastricht Treaty.

"The truth is that the Conservative Party will probably argue for a referendum if you move a comma in an existing treaty," he said.

But he said that the EU needs to move on to more pressing policy dilemmas.

"For us, we are going to get attacked whatever we do, but Europe needs to do it to move forward," he said.

"These issues aren't going to go away. It's better to resolve them sooner rather than later."

And he denied that his negotiating position was weak because of his imminent departure or that his successor could unpick the deal.

"When we come to the June council we will come with the position of the government," Blair said.

As predicted, shadow foreign secretary William Hague said the referendum pledge should stand.

"Tony Blair was previously committed to campaigning for the European constitution and to hold a referendum on it in the country," he argued.

"What he is saying now sounds suspiciously like an attempt to introduce elements of it by the back door, despite its decisive rejection by the voters of France and Holland.

"This would go against the government's previous assurances and be totally unacceptable to the people of Britain.

"It is vital that any new treaty that transfers power from Britain to the EU should be subject to a referendum."

The BPP says: Blair is liar and a hypocrite. We DEMAND a referendum on Britain's membership of the EU. We will continue to campaign for a complete withdrawel from the European Union!