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06/06/2005
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.
Mr Straw said: “I should emphasise that it is not for the UK alone to decide the future of the Treaty; and it remains our view that it represents a sensible new set of rules for the enlarged European Union. We reserve completely the right to bring back the Bill providing for a UK referendum should circumstances change. But we see no point in proceeding at this moment.”
The Conservatives have said that plans to hold a referendum should be shelved completely. Kenneth Clarke said: “After these two referendums it is over. In this country, people would think you were dotty if you went ahead with a referendum on a treaty which plainly is no more.”
However, French President Jacques Chirac and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder are still urging other EU members to continue the ratification process.
Ten countries – including Germany, Italy and Spain – have ratified the treaty so far. The constitution needs to be ratified by all 25 members of the EU in order to be introduced.
EU leaders will discuss the constitution and the next steps to be taken at a meeting in Brussels on June 16.
(KMcA)
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.
Mr Straw said: “I should emphasise that it is not for the UK alone to decide the future of the Treaty; and it remains our view that it represents a sensible new set of rules for the enlarged European Union. We reserve completely the right to bring back the Bill providing for a UK referendum should circumstances change. But we see no point in proceeding at this moment.”
The Conservatives have said that plans to hold a referendum should be shelved completely. Kenneth Clarke said: “After these two referendums it is over. In this country, people would think you were dotty if you went ahead with a referendum on a treaty which plainly is no more.”
However, French President Jacques Chirac and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder are still urging other EU members to continue the ratification process.
Ten countries – including Germany, Italy and Spain – have ratified the treaty so far. The constitution needs to be ratified by all 25 members of the EU in order to be introduced.
EU leaders will discuss the constitution and the next steps to be taken at a meeting in Brussels on June 16.
(KMcA)
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