According to the document, which has?a print run of?some 200,000 copies and will be available in the UK's public libraries, there are several "false alarms and misconceptions" about the EU in general and the new Constitution in particular. The pamphlet's aim is to cut through the myths and complexities and to convince eurosceptics in Britain that "none of these things is true".?

"It's a straightforward, fact-based guide to the European Union, what the constitution changes, and why those changes are good for Britain and for Europe,"?said a?spokesman for the Foreign Office.?The first part?of the guide?describes the way the EU works, where it gets its money from?and what it actually does. The second part is devoted to?the new EU Constitution, setting out what the treaty would and would not do.

Following the ceremonial signing of the EU Constitution in Rome on 29 October, the document will be subject to a series of referendums, including one in Britain.?According to Foreign Secretary Jack Straw this referendum is likely to take place?sometime in "early 2006".?Currently, the?majority of?member states will adopt the Constitution?by parliamentary vote.