![Shadow chancellor offers hints on EU referendum Shadow chancellor offers hints on EU referendum](https://www.cer.eu/sites/default/files/styles/spotlight/public/images/spotlight/in_the_press/2012/eu_british_puzzle_sl-1337093839.jpg?itok=BXNfmWVE)
Shadow chancellor offers hints on EU referendum
Although Labour has never ruled out a plebiscite, Mr Balls's comments at a Centre for European Reform debate surprised senior colleagues who had agreed not to speculate on the subject. Mr Balls said there were questions about "whether there could be a case for there being a referendum more widely on Britain's relationship with Europe as a new settlement evolves". He added: "That might be an issue whose time comes, that might be. But I don't think it’s now."