British voters are likely to be given the opportunity to vote in a referendum on the planned European Union constitution, it was reported today.
The EU constitution, yet to be finalised, is aimed at ensuring the smooth running of the bloc after it expands from 15 to 25 members in May. Once agreed, it has to be approved unanimously by the 15 existing members and 10 newcomers.
Prime Minister Tony Blair has so far resisted calls from the opposition Conservatives to put the issue before the public, arguing that ratification by parliament is sufficient. But several Sunday newspapers said Mr Blair may decide for a vote this week and that an interview yesterday when he refused to rule out a referendum was the strongest signal yet.
"Our policy has not changed and if there is any question of it changing, I can assure you we will tell you. You will have to wait and see," Mr Blair told BBC radio.
Mr Blair's critics say he has refused a referendum because he fears a largely eurosceptic public would oppose it. But the prime minister has several options.
The Observersaid a pledge to allow a vote would probably be contained in the Labour Party's manifesto and it would be held after the next general election, expected to be held next year.
The Sunday Telegraphsaid senior ministers and advisers had last week been urging Mr Blair to agree to a referendum. "Tony has crossed the line. It's now really a question of timing," an unnamed Cabinet minister was quoted as saying in the paper.
An unidentified colleague of the minister said: "It (the referendum) could be before the general election. We are not ruling out anything. It can't be decided without a Cabinet discussion and there is a Cabinet discussion this week."<p>
Some observers say the government could put a broad question to the public about overall support for Britain's role within the EU rather than pin it to a new constitution. Others say the talk may be a tactic to take the steam out of the opposition's call for a referendum ahead of June's European elections when Mr Blair's Labour party is set to get a drubbing.