Britten houden referendum over EU-grondwet in maart 2006 (en)

A UK referendum on the EU Constitution is to be held in March 2006 - shortly after the UK ends its turn as Presidency of the European Union in December 2005, according to the Sunday Telegraph.

The paper quotes Jack Straw, the Foreign Secretary, as saying: "We can't do it while we are holding the presidency. But we need to strike while the iron is hot."

Prime Minister Tony Blair has reportedly agreed to the timetable.

The European Constitution will be signed in Rome on Friday (29 October) and submitted to referendum in close to half of the EU member states.