Ministers praise EU constitution amid signs France will say Non

Although there are indications that France may vote No in the referendum on the European Constitution on 29 May 2005, the UK Government announced on 19 May 2005 that it would introduce legislation into the House of Commons on 24 May 2005 that will pave the way for a UK referendum in 2006.

Separately, the UK's new Europe Minister, Douglas Alexander, gave a speech at London's Guildhall on 20 May 2005 praising the merits of the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe, indicating that the UK Government is preparing for a referendum in 2006.

United Kingdom: Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Speech, 20.5.05: Britain's place in Europe http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029391647&a=KArticle&aid=1115140100509

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