A delivery driver is taking the Government to court over its refusal to hold a referendum on the controversial EU Lisbon Treaty.

Stuart Bower, from Upper Beeding, near Steyning, is bringing a claim against Prime Minister Gordon Brown to force him to give the British public a vote on what he describes as "the most important issue facing the country today".

The former Labour activist, now a UK Independence Party (UKIP) candidate, said ministers were treating the British public with contempt by failing to honour a commitment made in their 2005 election manifesto.

The Government argues the Reform Treaty, which was signed by heads of state in Lisbon in December and is currently winding its way through Parliament, is different from a previously abandoned treaty - that was rejected by several European states - and therefore does not warrant a vote for ratification.

But Mr Bower, 57, who plans to contest the parliamentary seat of Hove for UKIP at the next election, described the two documents as "same meat, different gravy".

He said: "It almost signs away Britain's status as an independent nation. It sets up a European President, a European foreign office and gives the European Parliament power and authority to impose law on the British people."

Mr Bower wants to force a referendum on the grounds that Mr Brown breached guarantees in the Human Rights Act for free elections.

He explained: "I want Gordon Brown to honour his promise to give the British people their referendum."

The first hearing, before a district judge at Brighton County Court, is scheduled for February 7. The Prime Minister will be represented by official Government solicitors.

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