UK Labour hedges on euro entry

Britain's Labour Party made no change to its wait-and-see policy on Europe's single currency as it launched its manifesto today…

Britain's Labour Party made no change to its wait-and-see policy on Europe's single currency as it launched its manifesto today for the June 7th election.

The UK government favours entry to the currency club in principle but will only do so if it judges the economics to be right and if the British public agree in a referendum.

If the government and parliament recommend entry, the British people will have the final say in a referendum.

The manifesto sets out broad policy for the next four or five years. Prime Minister Tony Blair has promised to judge the economic conditions within two years of the election.

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The manifesto said a new Labour government would continue to participate fully in Europe and shape the European Union's agenda to advance British national interests.

EU leaders and diplomats have warned Blair that if Britain stays out of the euro too long his influence is bound to wane within the 15-nation bloc.