The European Parliament in Strasbourg. Britain has signalled for the first time that it may veto the European Union Constitution. Photo by AFP
Britain could veto the European Union (EU) constitution instead of losing its right to retain national control of defence, foreign and tax policies, London newspapers said, quoting an unnamed Foreign Office official. The official said that the treaty was "highly desirable but not absolutely essential" during the talks on the constitution between Britain and EU representatives later this week, according to Financial Times. The EU's constitution is meant to overhaul the bloc's institutions to prepare the 15-nation grouping for enlargement next year to 25 countries.