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Agreeing to a referendum would mark a complete u-turn
in government policy. Until now, ministers have been arguing that
the constitution does not make the fundamental changes which would
warrant a referendum and that it could simply be ratified
by parliament. This has been the procedure in the past with major
EU treaties, such as the single European act in 1987 and the Maastricht
Treaty in 1992.
But opponents argue that the constitution by its very name
is different. They say it's likely to compromise Britain's sovereignty.
The strongest opposition has been from the Conservative party,
although a significant group within the governing Labour party
are sceptical too. There is, though, a broader coalition in
favour of a referendum, including some who support the constitution.
The third party, the Liberal Democrats for example, believe a
nationwide vote would be the best way to make the pro-European
argument.
The government will clearly have a struggle on its hands to
win over an argument which has been dominated by a Euro-sceptic
press and they wouldn't want to lose a referendum shortly before
a general election which is expected in a year's time.
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a referendum: a vote in which all the people in a country
who have the right to vote are asked if they agree with a particular
policy
a complete u-turn: abandoning of a previous policy and
doing the opposite
warrant a referendum: make a referendum seem necessary,
justify it; (warrant is a formal word)
by its very name: here refers to the fact that a constitution
is by definition a fundamental system of laws which formally states
people's rights and duties
in favour of: supporting
a nationwide vote: another way of saying 'a referendum'
have a struggle on its hands: if you have something on your hands,
you have to deal with it
win over: here, persuade people to support their policy
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