British reaction: The Conservative leader, Mr Michael Howard, last night renewed his demand for a British referendum on the proposed new EU constitution.
He was speaking after the Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, signalled his enthusiasm for early completion of the negotiations on the draft constitution, which he declared "good for Britain and good for Europe". Speaking at the conclusion of the EU Council in Brussels, Mr Blair declared: "This constitution is good for Europe and for Britain because a Europe of 25 countries will not work as a Europe of 15 did."
At the same time Mr Blair insisted there would be no breach of the British government's "red lines" preserving Westminster control over defence, foreign policy, taxation and the criminal justice system. "These things will remain the prerogative of the British parliament and the British people," he said. While the Conservatives are intent on making the constitution a defining issue for the European elections in June, Mr Blair is already resigned to bad mid-term election results.