British Prime Minister Tony Blair cast doubt today on whether Britain would hold a referendum on the European Union constitution following France's rejection of the treaty.
Britain had previously said it would hold its own vote next year. Although Mr Blair backs the constitution, opinion polls have consistently pointed to a defeat, which could end his career.
Mr Blair said the European Union needed to reflect on the French result which was a clear signal that Europe's citizens were worried about the economy.
"What is important now is to have time for reflection," he told a small group of reporters in Tuscany, where he is ending a brief Italian holiday following an official visit.
Tony Blair
France rejected the constitution in a referendum yesterday, dealing a major blow to a charter intended to make the enlarged 25-member bloc run smoothly. If the Dutch also reject the treaty in their referendum on Wednesday, the European Council may declare it dead.
"If there is a constitutional treaty to vote upon, we will have a vote in Britain before ratifying it," Mr Blair said.
"But I think we now have to see what happens in the Dutch referendum in a couple of days' time. We have to have discussion at the European Council," he added.
Mr Blair said European leaders will be able to discuss the French and Dutch votes at the Council later in June.
Asked if he supported a Dutch 'Yes' vote, Mr Blair said: "Of course. All the way through I've said that we should support the constitution as a sensible set of rules to regulate European decision making when Europe is so much larger."
Mr Blair suggested the French vote was a wake-up call for Europe's leaders, who must address the economic difficulties worrying many citizens.
"There is a different level of debate going on amongst people in Europe that the political leadership in Europe has to address," he said.
He said that since Britain is taking on the rotating EU presidency in July it will have a particular responsibility to listen to all sides.