French 'non' throws EU into crisis
France this evening delivered a decisive “non” to the proposed European constitution, throwing the EU into crisis.
The Interior Ministry in Paris said that early returns suggested that the “non” camp had 57.26% of the vote, compared to 42.74% for “oui” and President Jacques Chirac went on television to accept defeat.
The result throws doubt on the planned British referendum, pencilled in for spring next year.
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said he was personally saddened by the result, but said that the clear expression of the democratic will of the French people must be respected.
He called for a “period of reflection” ahead of a scheduled summit of the European Council on June 16, when leaders of the EU states will try to find a way forward.
Speaking at the British Foreign Office, Mr Straw repeated the UK government’s commitment that the constitutional treaty would not be ratified by the UK without the approval of the electorate in a referendum.
But crucially, he did not commit the government to the referendum going ahead, leaving open the possibility that it will declare the treaty dead and announce that there is therefore no need for a vote.
“The result raises profound questions for all of us about the future direction of Europe,” said Mr Straw.