Blair ready for euro in 2007

Tony Blair wants Britain to adopt the European single currency in 2007, and wants his Government to publicly affirm a target date, despite protestations from Gordon Brown, according to The Independent newspaper.

While the Chancellor of the Exchequer is thought to oppose a publicly agreed target date, not wanting “a song and dance” about the issue, Mr Blair plans to put the UK to the test in three years time.

The newspaper says Mr Blair will call a referendum soon after the next general election in order that the Treasury is given sufficient time to prepare the groundwork for the adoption of euro notes and coins.

The Chancellor reported last year that his five-economic tests – the basis upon which the Government would hold a referendum – had not been met and analysts claim Mr Brown will balk at re-running the tests during 2004.