Labour (PvdA) MPs support calls for a referendum on the new EU treaty, the Telegraaf reports on Tuesday. The paper says there is now a parliamentary majority for a vote. The PvdA is part of the government coalition.

A poll published today by Maurice de Hond shows that voters are 51% to 47% in favour of a new referendum. If one was to be held, 46% would vote for and 29% against, according to the opinion poll.
The anti-immigration party PVV and left-of-centre parties have already backed a referendum. The Netherlands voted against the EU constitution in a plebiscite in 2005.
The two other partners in the government, Christian Democrats (CDA) and ChristenUnie, oppose a referendum while the Liberals (VVD) have yet to take a position.
Labour parliamentary leader Jacques Tichelaar said the results of the weekend’s negotiations were so good that ‘there is no need to be afraid to put it to the people’.
He said he saw no arguments for not holding a referendum.
Nevertheless Tichelaar told the Telegraaf that his party would abide by the terms of the coalition agreement which states a new referendum will only be held if backed by the Council of State.