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30/05/2005
No decision on EU referendum in Britain
Prime Minister Tony Blair has said it is too early to decide if Britain will hold a referendum on the proposed European constitution, following France’s rejection of the treaty in a weekend vote.
Mr Blair said that time was needed to reflect on the results of the French referendum and said: “Underneath all of this, there is a more profound question, which is about the future of Europe and, in particular, the European economy.”
Almost 55% of those who voted in the French referendum voted against the EU constitution. Voter turnout was reportedly forecast at around 70%.
The result is a blow for French president Jacques Chirac, whose government had campaigned strongly for a ‘Yes’ vote. Speaking after the results were announced, Mr Chirac described the vote as a “sovereign decision” by the people of France but said the decision had created a “difficult context” for defending the country’s interests in Europe.
It is widely expected that Mr Chirac will now appoint a new Prime Minister and a new Cabinet in the coming days.
The results of the French referendum are expected to influence other referendums to be held in Europe, particularly the Netherlands, where the public will go to the polls on Wednesday. However, several European leaders have remained hopeful that the constitution can be saved.
German Chancellor Gerard Schroder said that the French result was “a blow for the constitutional process, but not the end of it.” Germany ratified the EU constitution without holding a referendum.
British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said that he was saddened by the result and said that a “period of reflection” was needed by all 25 EU member states. He also stressed that Britain would only ratify the constitution by holding a referendum, but did not say when this would take place.
Mr Straw is expected to make a statement to the House of Commons next week. He also said that discussions would be held regarding the future of the constitution at a meeting of the European Council on June 16.
The result of the French referendum has been welcomed by the No Campaign, which has been campaigning against the introduction of the EU constitution. Matthew McGregor from the No Campaign said he was “delighted” with the result. He said: “This time, Europe’s leaders must take no for an answer. The government must now guarantee that the EU will not implement any of the constitution’s contents by the back door, otherwise it must commit itself to a referendum in the UK now.”
The constitution needs to be approved by all EU member states in order to be introduced in November 2006 as planned.
(KMcA/SP)
Mr Blair said that time was needed to reflect on the results of the French referendum and said: “Underneath all of this, there is a more profound question, which is about the future of Europe and, in particular, the European economy.”
Almost 55% of those who voted in the French referendum voted against the EU constitution. Voter turnout was reportedly forecast at around 70%.
The result is a blow for French president Jacques Chirac, whose government had campaigned strongly for a ‘Yes’ vote. Speaking after the results were announced, Mr Chirac described the vote as a “sovereign decision” by the people of France but said the decision had created a “difficult context” for defending the country’s interests in Europe.
It is widely expected that Mr Chirac will now appoint a new Prime Minister and a new Cabinet in the coming days.
The results of the French referendum are expected to influence other referendums to be held in Europe, particularly the Netherlands, where the public will go to the polls on Wednesday. However, several European leaders have remained hopeful that the constitution can be saved.
German Chancellor Gerard Schroder said that the French result was “a blow for the constitutional process, but not the end of it.” Germany ratified the EU constitution without holding a referendum.
British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said that he was saddened by the result and said that a “period of reflection” was needed by all 25 EU member states. He also stressed that Britain would only ratify the constitution by holding a referendum, but did not say when this would take place.
Mr Straw is expected to make a statement to the House of Commons next week. He also said that discussions would be held regarding the future of the constitution at a meeting of the European Council on June 16.
The result of the French referendum has been welcomed by the No Campaign, which has been campaigning against the introduction of the EU constitution. Matthew McGregor from the No Campaign said he was “delighted” with the result. He said: “This time, Europe’s leaders must take no for an answer. The government must now guarantee that the EU will not implement any of the constitution’s contents by the back door, otherwise it must commit itself to a referendum in the UK now.”
The constitution needs to be approved by all EU member states in order to be introduced in November 2006 as planned.
(KMcA/SP)
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01 June 2005
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Voters in the Netherlands are heading to the polls today to vote on the EU constitution amid speculation that the result will be a ‘No’ vote.
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Voters in the Netherlands are heading to the polls today to vote on the EU constitution amid speculation that the result will be a ‘No’ vote.
27 May 2005
Chirac makes final plea for referendum support
French President Jacques Chirac has made a final plea for a ‘yes’ vote ahead of Sunday’s referendum on the EU constitution. However, the latest poll shows over 50% of the French plan to vote ‘no’ in the referendum. “It is about our future, that of your children, of the future of France and the future of Europe,” said Mr Chirac.
Chirac makes final plea for referendum support
French President Jacques Chirac has made a final plea for a ‘yes’ vote ahead of Sunday’s referendum on the EU constitution. However, the latest poll shows over 50% of the French plan to vote ‘no’ in the referendum. “It is about our future, that of your children, of the future of France and the future of Europe,” said Mr Chirac.
20 April 2004
Blair confirms referendum on EU Constitution
Prime Minister Tony Blair has confirmed today that there will be a referendum on the new European Treaty, but the timing for the poll remains uncertain. Mr Blair told Parliament today that it was time, once and for all, for Britain to decide it wants to be a leading partner and ally of Europe, or on its margins.
Blair confirms referendum on EU Constitution
Prime Minister Tony Blair has confirmed today that there will be a referendum on the new European Treaty, but the timing for the poll remains uncertain. Mr Blair told Parliament today that it was time, once and for all, for Britain to decide it wants to be a leading partner and ally of Europe, or on its margins.
02 June 2005
Dutch reject EU constitution
Dutch voters have rejected the EU constitution, the second defeat for the proposed treaty in a week. According to unofficial results, over 60% of voters in the Netherlands referendum voted against the constitution. The result follows the devastating result in France at the weekend, when around 55% of the voters rejected the treaty.
Dutch reject EU constitution
Dutch voters have rejected the EU constitution, the second defeat for the proposed treaty in a week. According to unofficial results, over 60% of voters in the Netherlands referendum voted against the constitution. The result follows the devastating result in France at the weekend, when around 55% of the voters rejected the treaty.
06 June 2005
EU referendum plans put on hold in UK
The UK referendum on the EU constitution is to be put on hold, it has been announced. Foreign Secretary Jack Straw told the House of Commons today that it would not be “sensible” to set a date for a referendum. However, he said that the situation would be kept under review.
EU referendum plans put on hold in UK
The UK referendum on the EU constitution is to be put on hold, it has been announced. Foreign Secretary Jack Straw told the House of Commons today that it would not be “sensible” to set a date for a referendum. However, he said that the situation would be kept under review.
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