Danger of euro delay
From Dr Alan Bullion Sir: Peter Oborne's column on the growing frustration with the endless delays in holding the euro referendum (Politics, 13 July) was spot-on. As a long-time supporter of the Liberal Democrats and proEuropean enthusiast and activist, I have become increasingly exasperated by the confusing signals being given out by those in Downing Street. Many of us have worked very hard over the past few years to promote the pro-euro cause, and we want to see a referendum held next year, not in 2005 or even later in a third Blair term, based on the possibly erroneous assumption that he may get another thumping majority.
This continued delay is costing jobs as industry relocates elsewhere in the European Union, while the Chancellor endlessly prevaricates over his five tests. Informed economic research suggests that the requirements stipulated by Mr Brown have already been effectively met. Therefore I have to conclude that any further delay would be for political rather than economic reasons. If the referendum is postponed for another three years, we may also see new EU members such as Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary overtaking Britain in the fast lane by joining the eurozone.
Alan Bullion
Tunbridge Wells, Kent
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