21/09/2007
Undoubtedly we shall have a more detailed report from Our Man in Amsterdam (a.k.a Simon North) but, meantime, it seems that the Dutch cabinet has ruled out the idea of a referendum. Even the BBC
has blithely assumed that the reason was not protection of representative democracy but a fear that the Dutch people will vote against the treaty.
Then again, the decision not to hold a referendum will have to be upheld by parliament so we might see a reversal. Over to Our Special Correspondent.