PM urged to embrace euro

Tuesday, 29 July 2003 12:00 AM

Ahead of the Prime Minister's monthly press conference on Wednesday, leader of the Commons Peter Hain has called on Tony Blair to press ahead with the embrace of the single European currency, despite the tragic suicide of Dr David Kelly, the Iraq weapons expert and "mole" at the centre of the storm over the "sexed up" intelligence reports.

In front of the TV cameras at Downing Street, the PM is likely to focus debate on core public services, the UK's robust economy, and the Labour's concerted fight against crime and less on international affairs.

With the death of Dr Kelly in mind, Peter Hain told the Financial Times: "Despite the important attention that events of the past few weeks have commanded - and whatever the outcome of Lord Hutton's inquiry - strategically it is essential we do not lose momentum in ensuring Britain remains, and indeed enhances, its role as a leading European power."

Mr Hain told the FT that despite "strident euroscepticism" the pro-European argument could emerge triumphant whence put to the test.

"When the crunch comes and people confront the hard choice of being at the heart of Europe or being isolated, people overwhelmingly vote for a pro-euro position."

It is expected that the PM will cut back his trips abroad later this year in order to "refocus" domestic politics ahead of the next general election.

The PM has just returned from a lightening diplomatic tour of Asia after visiting US President George Bush in Washington.

Some view the "imminent" departure of the PM's director of communications Alastair Campbell as a step along the way to rebuilding the party along more traditional Labour lines.

On Sunday Peter Hain called for a "new deal" with the media to end the culture of spin.

Mr Hain said journalists ought to be avoid being sucked into a "Westminster bubble" where debate was determined by spin and "on-message government boredom".

Tags: