British Labour Euro debate

The governing British Labour Party has denied reports of a split over whether the country should join the common European currency, the Euro.

The BBC political correspondent says the government has come under pressure from Euro supporters both inside and outside the party, to give a more positive message about joining. Recent vocal supporters include senior ministers and a leading trades unionist, Sir Ken Jackson, of the Amalgamated Engineering and Electrical Union, who says the government should stop avoiding the issue.

Last week the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development said Britain's economy is more in tune with the Euro-zone than some countries which are already members. Our correspondent says the Chancellor finance minister, Gordon Brown, is keeping his options open until after the next election in about two years, and the government does not believe the British people are yet ready to accept the Euro.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service