designed to accommodate an enlarged union -- Blair said Britain's plans for a referendum would remain on ice until the status of the charter became clear. Opinion polls have consistently showed most Britons would reject the treaty, a result that would prove embarrassing for the pro-European Blair. "Until the situation in France and Holland is clarified, there's no point in proceeding with a British referendum because the constitution needs the ratification of all member states," Blair said. But he added: "I believe the constitution represents a perfectly sensible way forward for Europe." The constitution debacle has raised hopes that leaders will see a deal on the bloc's long-term budget as an urgent priority. But Blair's spokesman said London would hold its position on the rebate, even if 24 EU members ganged up against it. The spokesman also said Britain still wanted EU spending to be capped at 1.0 percent of Gross National Income, a demand also backed by Austria, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden.
