Brussels, 19/04/2004 (Agence Europe) - On Monday, the British press reported that Tony Blair is expected to announce this week that a referendum will be held on the European Constitution. It will probably be held after the next general election, scheduled for May 2005. The Conservative opposition has been calling for a referendum for a long while and, observers say, the Labour government has reached the conclusion that a constant refusal to consult the British people on the subject of the European Constitution could create difficulties for Labour during the electoral campaign for the forthcoming June European elections and the legislative elections of Spring 2005.
Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott told BBC radio: "We do consult the people where we think it is justified and necessary. The prime minister has said he is listening to the argument that is going on - it appears to be changing even during the process of negotiations. Now that debate will continue and he will let you know in his time … whether there is any change in policy" concerning the referendum. Michael Howard, Tory leader, commented: "If the government really is planning a U-turn we welcome that. We have persistently called for a referendum. Once we know the final text of the new Constitution we should have the debate and there are no grounds for delaying the timing of the referendum".
(The last British referendum on Europe was held on 5 June 1975. The Labour government under Harold Wilson had asked the British whether, after joining the EC in 1973, they wanted to remain in the European Community if membership were "renegotiated". The result was 67.2% in favour).