Euro choice 'economics not dogma'

John Prescott, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown say they are united over euro

Gordon Brown has said that Britain's economic interest rather than ideology will drive the agenda as far the UK joining the single currency is concerned.

The chancellor also insisted that the decision on whether to join the euro would be taken by the whole cabinet and he left the door open for a referendum on joining in this parliament.

"Nobody has ruled out a referendum as an act of dogma in this parliament," Mr Brown told BBC One's Breakfast with Frost programme.

"Economics and not dogma will be the final test."

He added that the government had been "committed to the principle of the single currency" since 1997.

This is a very, very permanent shift in control from the democratic institutions of our own country to whatever it is that exists in Europe

Bernard Jenkin

The chancellor said his five economic tests that determine, in the government's view, whether Britain is ready to join the euro were the UK's "insurance policy" against economic errors of the past.

"The five tests effectively define the national economic interest for our country," he said.

"It is a guarantee that we can ensure jobs, investment and the future profitability of industry and the prosperity of the country.

"When I make the statement to Parliament on 9 June, the focus will be on these five economic tests that define the economic interests of the country."

The chancellor played down rumours of a spat between him and the prime minister insisting they had a "constructive working relationship" that was "tranquil".

The interview with Mr Brown follows Friday's unprecedented statement saying there were no divisions between him and the prime minister over the euro.

Shift in control?

It said they believed the UK should sign up if it was right for the economy.

But Tory defence spokesman Bernard Jenkin said he was against joining the euro "in principle".

"As the argument about the five tests carries on, you are beginning to see that this is a very, very permanent shift in control from the democratic institutions of our own country to whatever it is that exists in Europe - certainly not democracy, more a bureaucracy," he told GMTV's Sunday programme.

He also argued that economic difficulties in the eurozone had recruited more people for the "at least let's not join now fraternity".

Shadow chancellor Michael Howard told BBC Radio 4's World this Weekend programme the government should publish its assessment so there could be an informed public debate on the issues surrounding the economic tests.

And European Commissioner and former Tory politician Chris Patten told the same programme that it was about time there was a "serious political debate" about Britain's relationship with the EU.

"Sooner or later we are going to have to end this nervous breakdown about our membership of the European Union if we are to punch our weight, if we are going to protect and enhance Britain's national interest," he said.

'Big picture'

The cabinet is due to reach its verdict in the first week of June, following three weeks of discussions based on 18 Treasury studies on the implications of the euro and the chancellor's own five tests.

Mr Brown has promised the cabinet a "real say" on the decision and said he would campaign as hard as anyone if the euro was approved.

On Saturday, Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott added his support to the united front presented by Blair and Brown.

Mr Prescott said ministers will be looking at the "big picture" as they study the Treasury documents this weekend.

He acknowledged ministers had their own opinions on the euro, but he denied they had already made up their minds.

Mr Prescott said people should look at the public statements of politicians rather than listening to those who were briefing on the sidelines.