Blair announces plans for EU referendum

Wednesday, April 21, 2004

LONDON -- Prime Minister Tony Blair announced a referendum on the European Union's constitution Tuesday, a significant reversal of policy which launches a battle to decide Britain's relationship with Europe. "Let the issue be put. Let the battle be joined," Blair told a raucous House of Commons, as he confirmed Britain's first national referendum since 1975. Blair set no date for the vote, but signaled it would not be held for at least a year, as the treaty must first be agreed by EU leaders and debated in Parliament. That would most likely put the referendum after a national election expected next May.

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