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I am writing soon. ONDON, April 19 — In a reversal that surprised political allies and rivals, Prime Minister Tony Blair is expected to announce Tuesday that he will submit any European Union constitution that emerges this year to the British electorate in a referendum. The date of the referendum has not been set, and behind the scenes discussions on the policy change continued today, but government officials suggested it would likely be set after national elections expected in May 2005. Conservatives said they would oppose such a delay. Advertisement Mr. Blair's decision could have a far-reaching impact on Britain's integration with Europe, on Mr. Blair's political career, and on Europe itself, where analysts said the demand for similar referenda could spread to France and the Netherlands, in addition to Ireland and Denmark where ballot questions on the constitution already seem likely. A no vote could deal another blow to forward motion in consolidating the founding treaties, laws and amendments that make up the document intended to serve as the foundation of a European government. The constitution, drafted by a convention working under former President Valery Giscard d'Estang of France, failed to emerge from a summit meeting of European leaders in December when Spain, a current member, and Poland, one of 10 nations joining the union next month, opposed a new voting system that would diminish their strength relative to France and Germany.
Approximate Word count = 814
Approximate Pages = 3.3
(250 words per page double spaced)
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