Blair and Brown 'united on euro'

Chancellor 'not against referendum'

The prime minister and the chancellor have insisted they are united over the euro in a rare joint statement.

Tony Blair and Gordon Brown claimed there were none of the reported disagreements between them, as speculation mounts over the announcement on Britain's entry to the euro - due on 9 June.

But the opposition parties were not convinced.

"You know that two people are at daggers drawn when they make a direct statement claiming to be united," said Liberal Democrat treasury spokesman Matthew Taylor.

"Every celebrity couple has claimed their marriage is sound just before the divorce."

And Conservative deputy leader Michael Ancram said: "This is a classic attempt to hide serious divisions. The British public will not be taken in."

Mr Blair and Mr Brown said it was important for the cabinet and the country to know that they were united.

The only reason to make it is because there is a perception that the two are not united - but this can only fuel speculation that there is a split

Laura Trevelyan
BBC political correspondent

Euro statement in full

It follows reports that the pair have agreed the UK is not yet ready to join the euro - but remain split on whether to rule out a euro referendum before the next election.

BBC political correspondent Laura Trevelyan said the statement was "completely extraordinary".

"The only reason to make it is because there is a perception that the two are not united ... but this can only fuel speculation that there is a split."

Both men were "giving a little bit" to show their union, she added.

The statement said that the two presented a totally united front to cabinet when they outlined the decision-making process on the euro last Thursday.

They assured the cabinet this was a vital process of consultation on which they would have a real say, and made clear that the dogmatic positions ascribed to them by some in the media should be ignored, the statement said.

The prime minister emphasised this was the most important decision this government would take.

'Not set against it'

He paid tribute to the rigour of the process the chancellor had set in place and said no final decision had been taken.

He said stories claiming he was determined to call a referendum in this parliament "come what may", regardless of whether the five economic tests had been met, were wrong.

The chancellor said the presentation of him as being more sceptical than the prime minister was wrong.

He dismissed suggestions that as a matter of principle he was opposed to a referendum in this parliament.

The statement comes as cabinet members are given the chance to examine the technical background presented by the Treasury behind the five economic tests.