Blair Confirms Brits To Vote on EU Constitution

Speaking in the House of Commons on Tuesday, Blair confirmed his government would call for a referendum on the European Union's constitution, but indicated it would only take place after the general elections that must be called by mid-2006.

"Let the people have the final say,'' Blair told Parliament in London. "It is time to resolve once and for all whether this country, Britain, wants to be at the center and heart of European decision-making or not; time to decide whether our destiny lies as a leading partner and ally of Europe, or on its margins," Blair said.

He added that EU enlargement in May will create ``the strongest political union and greatest economic market in the world. Britain should be at the heart of it -- that is its right and its destiny.''

A U-turn on policy

The move which has been dubbed Blair's most significant U-turn on policy since he came to power in 1997, would be the first national referendum in the UK in 30 years.

Last October the prime minister insisted that Britain would not hold a referendum on the proposed European constitution, which needs the ratification of all 25 member states to come into force.

Blair's change of stance is believed to be prompted by the largely euroskeptic opposition conservatives, who have argued that the constitution would undermine Britain's sovereignty -- a stance that has found support in large sections of the media.

The conservatives say a constitution would erode the country's powers over criminal justice, tax and foreign policy and is making the referendum a central plank of their campaign for European elections on June 10.

On Tuesday Blair said he would use a referendum campaign to challenge EU myths floated by his conservative opponents and a euroskeptic press. "Let the eurosceptics whose true agenda we will expose, make their case. Let those of us who believe in Britain in Europe...make ours," he said.

EU constitution closer to deal

Since plans to draw up the ambitious EU constitution were first published in Brussels in May last year, Britain has consistently objected to any rules that would veto its national laws on tax, social security and importantly on foreign policy and defense issues.

However last month the Prime Minister pledged to reach agreement on the constitution suggesting that Britain could be flexible on the proposed majority voting system on less controversial areas to ensure quicker agreement.

EU leaders hope to agree on a deal this June following recent reconciliatory overtures by Spain and Poland indicating they might be willing to compromise on the controversial issue of voting rights in the constitution.

The constitution, which is aimed at streamlining the decision making process of the bloc when it expands to include ten new members this May, will create the position of an EU president and foreign minister and sets out plans for closer defense cooperation between EU member states.

Mixed reaction

Blair's decision to call a vote on the EU constitution is expected to be largely welcomed at home, with British public opinion on the EU the most skeptical in Europe.

Conservative leader Michael Howard welcomed Tuesday's
announcement, saying Blair had "at long last seen sense on
this issue," but ridiculed the prime minister for saying
last year that he had "no reverse gear" and added, "Today you could hear the gears grinding."

But elsewhere in Europe, reaction to Blair's move was mixed.

John Bruton, the former Irish prime minister and member of the European convention that drafted the treaty, told The Financial Times, Blair was showing "no leadership on European issues. This is an example of him wanting to hand this problem over to the public, rather than take responsibility himself."

German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder played down fears that Blair's move could derail the EU treaty and told reporters Britain's decision was its sovereign right. "My friend Tony Blair knows precisely why he has done that and will certainly ensure that it is conducted successfully for the benefit of Europe, but it is a sovereign decision that I am not going to comment on," Schröder said.

Politically risky move

The move is also considered to a politically risky gamble for Blair, whose personal ratings have plummeted since the Iraq war and who may seek a third term in power as early as next May.

A YouGov survey showed on Monday that 53 percent of UK voters would reject the EU constitution in a referendum. The poll of 2,462 people questioned online last week showed 16 percent would vote ``yes'' and 28 percent were undecided.

So far seven EU members have indicated they will hold a referendum on the treaty: the Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.