Europe Minister denies euro blunder

Saturday, 4 December 2004 12:00 AM

Minister for Europe Denis MacShane has denied dismissing the five economic tests used by the Government to determine whether Britain should adopt the euro.

The Scotsman newspaper claims that Mr MacShane described Chancellor Gordon Brown's five key tests as a "bit of a red herring", during a recent speech at Durham University.

The paper, which recorded Mr MacShane's comments, also claims the Europe Minister contradicted the Government's official line on the EU constitution, when he addressed students nine days ago.

The minister's unscripted comments came as he argued the case in favour of Britain's involvement with Europe.

"On the euro, and other things, we've waited for the economics to be right on that. Although that was always a bit of a giant red herring," Mr MacShane told students.

The Scotsman says the minister went on to contradict the Prime Minister's claim that the EU Constitution will decide "once and for all" whether Britain wants to be at the centre of Europe.

"Europe is very young. This treaty won't be the last word," Mr MacShane told his audience.

Some commentators say the Europe Minister's remarks bring him into conflict with Gordon Brown and official government policy. But, Mr Macshane described suggestions that he meant to criticise Government policy as "barmy".

Responding to critics, the Minister stressed his belief that the five tests were essential and claimed he used the phrase "red herring" in reference to the arguments of eurosceptics.

"The thought that, after three years as a minister, I would say anything on the euro other than what's the Government's position is absolutely barmy," Mr MacShane told The Scotsman.

"A minister saying something he should not have said is fair game. But this time, not guilty," he added.

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