A referendum was expected to take place in the United Kingdom in 2006 to decide whether the country should ratify the proposed Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe. However, following the rejection of the Constitution by similar referendums in France in May 2005 and the Netherlands in June 2005, the UK vote was postponed indefinitely. The question was thought to have been settled when the constitution was superseded by the Treaty of Lisbon, which Parliament ratified in 2008 without holding a referendum.

Announcement

As negotiations finalising the text of the proposed constitution drew to a close in early 2004, Prime Minister, Tony Blair, had consistently denied the need for a referendum on its ratification.

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  • I want a Referendum
  • The 'no' campaign
  • Parliament: European Union Bill
  • Prime Minister announces the referendum
  • The Electoral Commission's role
  • Discussion in the House of Lords
  • BBC News: Europe vote 'early 2006' – Straw
  • EUobserver: Blair cautious on setting date for referendum