Dreiging van Brits veto tegen Europese grondwet (en)

Britain indicated yesterday for the first time that the European Union might not reach an agreement about the new Constitution, hinting that it might use its veto, if Britain is forced to give up important powers over defence, foreign policy and taxation.

Most of today's biggest British newspapers quote a high official saying that the treaty was highly desirable but on the other hand not absolutely essential for Britain.

Message to EU partners

"It is highly desirable but not absolutely necessary to have a treaty. We hope to get agreement in Brussels but we won't know until we are there", a senior cabinet minister told the Independent.

The change of tactic comes shortly before EU foreign ministers meet in Naples on Friday and Saturday.

The British threat to block the decision is seen as an attempt to send a message to its EU partners, saying that Britain would not sign the Constitution, unless further concessions are made.

"It could all fall into place; equally, it could be that it doesn't gel", the Independent quotes the official as saying.

Not as important as Nice

During the French president, Jacques Chirac's, visit to London on Monday (24 November) the British Prime Minister Tony Blair stressed that the UK is hoping that the outcome for next month's intergovernmental conference will be positive.

According to the Independent, UK ministers also said that there is a difference between next month's EU summit and the marathon summit in Nice three years ago. In Nice, they noted, the agreement was vital in order to allow ten new countries to join the EU.