One of the Conservative Party's most fervent Euro-sceptics has renewed his support for William Hague following his tough line on the European single currency.

The former defence secretary Michael Portillo labelled Tories who wrote to The Independent newspaper calling for a change in opposition policy on Europe as Labour Party supporters.

Meanwhile leading Liberal Democrats predicted the pro-European Tories may quit the party over the latest Euro-row.

Portillo: Backing Hague

Mr Portillo, who lost his Enfield Southgate seat in the general election, said: "I am a firm supporter of William Hague's policy on Europe.

"Those who have signed the letter to The Independent support Tony Blair's policy."

Mr Portillo was speaking after Mr Hague had told BBC Radio Five Live that pro-Europe MPs Conservatives not to blackmail him over the issue.

The Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman Menzies Campbell said Mr Hague's comments on Europe suggested there could be a breakaway from the Tory party.

He said: "It is now clear from what Mr Hague is saying that he contemplates a split in the Tory party over the issue of the single European currency.

"If that were to happen, it would simply reflect the deep and irreconcilable divisions among the Conservatives over Europe."
 

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