Onenigheid in Britse regering over wetgeving inzake referendum EU-grondwet (en)

UK Prime Minister Tony Blair is said to be at odds with his Foreign Minister Jack Straw over the timing of the EU Constitution Bill, which will pave the way for a referendum.

Mr Straw would like to rush through the legislation as soon as possible, while Mr Blair is reluctant to give the bill a top priority.

Mr Straw is also pushing for the government to give a firm confirmation to hold the referendum on the European Constitution in the spring of 2006, reports the Independent.

Mr Blair, however, does not want to be tied to a specific time.

According to the newspaper, Mr Blair is reluctant to give the bill top priority, because it would not leave the parliament enough time to get through other legislation before the elections.

It would take several weeks to push the bill through the UK parliament.