Thirteen prominent Conservatives have publicly pledged support for Tony Blair's policies on Europe and monetary union.

Shadow Foreign Secretary Michael Howard: " The only test should be the interest of this country." (2' 49")

Former Deputy Prime Minister, Michael Heseltine; former Chancellor, Kenneth Clarke; former Hong Kong Governor, Chris Patten; and former Prime Minister, Edward Heath; are among signatories to an 'open letter' to the Independent newspaper saying that Britain should start preparing to join a successful single European currency.

They said: "Conservatives committed to Britain at the heart of Europe will support Tony Blair and his colleagues in making the right decisions on the difficult challenges which lie ahead - during the next six months and beyond."

The BBC's Political Correspondent, Nick Robinson: "Europe's lost none of its poison for the Conservatives." (1' 07")

The group of influential Conservatives have joined forces to offer the Prime Minister, Tony Blair, conditional support if he continues to pursue pro-European policies.

The letter is sharply at odds with the party leadership's line, which rules out joining monetary union for up to 10 years, and is a fresh blow to Tory leader, William Hague, a dedicated Euro-sceptic.

He has undertaken to campaign against joining the single currency in the 2002 general elections.

The Foreign Secretary, Robin Cook, welcomed the letter's "constructive approach".

Lord Howe: "An issue on which people should be able to use their vote." (5' 05")

In response, Mr Cook said: "It is good that at least some elements of the Opposition are willing to stand up for the wider interests of Britain and I look forward to more of their party recognising the necessity of a positive approach to Europe."

A Tory Party spokesman said: "Conservative policy on the single currency is crystal clear. We do not support Britain joining it until we can see if and how it works, in good economic times and bad - that is the view of the overwhelming majority of Conservatives."

The letter also noted that 25 years ago this month, Britain joined the European Community.

"Too often, Europe has been seen not as an opportunity but as a threat," the letter said. It added: "A positive European vision is critical to the nation's future success."

The authors include MPs David Curry and Ian Taylor, who resigned from William Hague's front bench in protest at his harder line on Europe.

The other signatories are: former Chancellor Lord Howe; EU Vice-President and former Conservative Cabinet Minister, Sir Leon Brittan; former Foreign Secretary, Lord Carrington; former Hong Kong Governor, Chris Patten; former Environment Secretary, John Gummer; former Prime Minister, Sir Edward Heath; former Deputy Prime Minister, Michael Heseltine; former Chancellor, Kenneth Clarke, Lord (Christopher) Tugendhat; and ex-Cabinet Minister, Lord Younger.
 

Back to top | BBC News Home | BBC Homepage	©