Portillo: Euro for life not just Christmas

Tony Blair meets Korean leaders in Seoul

Conservative politicians have kept up the pressure on Prime Minister Tony Blair in the wake of comments he made about not yet being willing to join the euro.

On Thursday, Mr Blair said that if he was faced with the option of joining the single currency at the moment he personally would say "no".

If we join the single currency it isn't just for Christmas, it is for life

Michael Portillo

He was speaking after the euro crashed to its lowest level against the dollar.

But the Conservatives were quick to try to capitalise on the prime minister's comments - despite the fact that his official spokesman said there was nothing new in them.

Shadow chancellor Michael Portillo accused Mr Blair of failing to understand the long-term nature of joining the single currency.

He said: "If we join the single currency it isn't just for Christmas, it is for life."

'Spin doctor' Blair

And he accused Mr Blair of "acting like a spin doctor and not acting like a prime minister".

Euro-sceptic Conservative politicians are accusing Mr Blair of trying to neutralise the issue of the single currency as an election issue.

Eurosceptic: Michael Portillo

But Europe minister Keith Vaz tried to play down the row caused by the prime minister's comments.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I don't know what the fuss is about, the prime minister was merely stating existing policy."

And he rounded on the political editors of the The Sun and The Daily Telegraph newpapers.

"There is absolutely no need for people to get their editorials in a twist... this is all froth."

Electorate to decide

On Thursday, Mr Blair told reporters that ultimately the British would decide the issue of joining the euro in a referendum, but he said that if offered the choice at the moment he would say no.

He said: "Public opinion will make its mind on the facts in the end but as I keep saying to people, if you come along to me with an opinion poll and said 'Do you want to join the euro today?', I would say no."

The prime minister's remarks came as he arrived in the South Korean capital of Seoul for an Asia-Europe summit.

He touched again on the issue of the euro in an address to South Korean businessmen.

Acknowledging the importance of the single currency to foreign investors, he explained Britain's decision to stay out of the first wave, and outlined the conditions in which the UK could join.

In favour in principle

He said: "In principle, the government is in favour of joining a successful single currency."

Later, Mr Blair attempted to clarify the government's position on the issue..

He said: "The government's position is that we don't recommend joining the euro today.

"What we are saying is that in principle we want to be part of it but the economic conditions have to be right."