The news came after the BBC learned that the Prime Minister, Tony Blair and the Chancellor, Gordon Brown had agreed the UK was not yet ready to join the euro.

They are now discussing whether they can "leave the door at least slightly ajar" to some kind of referendum later in the Parliament.

BBC political editor Andrew Marr said joining the single currency remained the "single biggest decision of Tony Blair's premiership".

Is Britain ready to join the euro? Is it time for a referendum? How long should any decision on joining be put off ?

This debate is now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.

Is peoples' sense of identity so weak that it is based on the coins and notes in their pockets? James Young, Edinburgh, Scotland

All this talk about Britain losing its identity by joining the euro is nonsense. Is peoples' sense of identity so weak that it is based on the coins and notes in their pockets? 300 years ago Scotland experienced monetary and political union with England, but has by no means lost her identity.
James Young, Edinburgh, Scotland

I think we should pull out of Europe all together and go it alone. After all, what does Europe give us apart from nil points!
Paul Harris, Barry, South Wales

Most of my European friends say they were not given the chance to decide for themselves and are horrified at the way it has affected prices in their countries. They wish they had been able to decide in the first place. They would almost certainly have said NO!
A. de-Barton-Watson, Lincolnshire, England

The contributors who argue that we should join the euro simply because we can then save ourselves money and time changing from sterling should realise that a currency is for life (and those of their children and grandchildren) and not just for holidays. The main issue is not about how many currencies there should be, but who holds political and economic power. By giving up your currency, you give up political power and economic control to another group. It is true that other nation's governments have chosen to pool or to concede sovereignty, but this is a decision for the people of the UK to make, and we shouldn't feel that a move to the euro is somehow inevitable.
Stephen E, Paisley, Scotland

Either we are in or not. It's time to stop talking and get on with it. Our entry into the single currency will certainly benefit UK business and also keep us at the heart of Europe with a REAL say.
Frank Hughes, London, UK

He knows he will lose Matthew Long, Portsmouth, UK

I think Tony should swallow his pride and have a referendum and let the public have the final say. But he knows he will lose so he keeps on putting it off. I cannot wait until the general election so we can get him out.
Matthew Long, Portsmouth, UK

The longer we stay out, the more harm we are doing to ourselves. The people of Britain will benefit greatly from not having to exchange money whilst going abroad.
Peter Stott, Grimsby, England

Yes I believe UK should join the euro because they are isolated from the rest of the Europe. If the UK wishes to carry on trading with Europe they should adopt their currency and the investment in UK businesses will rise sharply. And no, the UK citizens would not lose their independence as a country.
Magdalena Helienek, Nottingham, UK

The sooner we adopt the Euro and closer european ties the better. The political system in this country has become neutered by the ineptitude and self-interests of the people within it. UK citizens no longer have a real voice. This government and the one before them have repeatedly proven they are not fit to govern, so lets give someone else a go.
Matt G, Letchworth, England

Can you believe the politicians? Richard Barnes, Malaga, Spain

Since the introduction of the euro in Spain, everything has gone up, including the cost of living! The same would happen in the UK, which is already a very expensive country to live in, hence my 'exile' in Spain. Can you believe the politicians? I think Mr Blair has his own agenda, perhaps visions of presidency of EU, and is willing to sell out his country for that post. The least the government can do is allow the people to vote on this issue themselves through a referendum. They are in power to serve us I thought, not vice versa.
Richard Barnes, Malaga, Spain

As a British citizen living in Germany I have been able to experience the euro first hand and the arguments Tony Blair has against it are totally wrong. I think Britain would benefit, the population certainly would. Let the people decide!
Colleen Frankton, K�ln, Germany

With opposition to the euro continuing to grow... and with the EU constitution making it perfectly clear that the real objective is an EU state... it is looking ever more likely that the UK must eventually withdraw from the EU altogether.
Roger Hayes, Wirral

It is time for the Prime Minister to be bold, overrule his Chancellor and hold a referendum by the end of next year! The longer that we remain outside, the more damage is done to our economy!
George McAllister, Aberystwyth, Wales

Severe price rises introduced by many retailers John Meakin, Greater London, England

Every German I have asked on my travels there since euro conversion has told me it's been a disaster because of the severe price rises introduced by many retailers - and of course, without any compensatory pay rises!! The same will happen here as happened previously with decimalisation.
John Meakin, Greater London, England

We would be crazy to join the euro, meaning political union as well as an economic straitjacket. I have lived about 40 years in Germany and Spain and we have far less in common with our continental neighbours than with North Americans. Remember that if we say 'yes' once that is the end of the debate, but we can say 'no' as often as we like.
John Ross, Alicante, Spain

My country has recently opted to join the EU. We know that the introduction of the euro will create some problems, but the country opted to disregard the insular concepts that prevail in the UK
Mark Privitera, Malta

Why not have a referendum to join or not to join the euro at the next general election? At least then the next government would know how the British public feel and it should also increase the turnout at the election.
Carl Phillips, Plymouth

Here in the Netherlands the introduction of the euro seemed to trigger inflation, despite the best efforts of the government to prevent businesses raising prices by stealth. But I still support the euro - it's a symbol of a modern, progressive and optimistic Europe.
Tim Weisselberg, Amsterdam

It is just a different name for the word "money" Vincent Wnek, Lyons, France

Reading these comments, it looks like the euro is either perceived as an economic godsend or an evil that will wipe out any remaining sovereignty for Britain. In my opinion it is neither. It's just a currency. Blaming Germany's and France's economic difficulties on the euro is just silly. Their public deficit is the result of years of economic mismanagement and complacency, which cannot be masked any more by the manipulating of interest rates. Moreover, one must be rather gullible to believe these days that one's nation sovereignty lies in its currency, when clearly markets speculators and big businesses can "make or break" any currency at will. On the other hand, one cannot expect the euro to create an economic miracle, at a time when the major world powers are facing a recession. At the end of the day the euro is just a currency, it is neither better or worse than the pound, it is just a different name for the word "money".
Vincent Wnek, Lyons, France

I really cannot see any logical reason for joining the Euro or even for staying in EEC. Until they become far more democratic in their system of government and reduce the current levels of bureaucracy I can see the whole organisation falling apart. At least if we still have an independent currency and government we stand a chance of surviving the resulting disaster!
John Rawbone, Birmingham, UK

There cannot be monetary union without political union, and to join the Euro is political union by the back door. Similarly the original basis of entry into the then Common Market was a trading agreement. This has since proved to be a charade yet another generation is about to let themselves be led by the nose by those obsessed with power. This government has accurately judged the naivety of the electorate and we surely now have the government that we deserve.
John Hayden, Weybridge.U.K.

The so-called 'tests' are no more than a smokescreen. Stuart Rising, London, UK

The so-called 'tests' are no more than a smokescreen. They are not rigorous and specific but vague and open to any number of interpretations. They serve merely to obscure the fact that monetary union is, in fact, a constitutional issue not an economic one. It was Maynard Keynes who said, quite rightly, that "he who controls the currency controls the country". We don't hear so much about 'harmonisation' these days. It is a discredited term but, as with other out-of-fashion buzz-words, its pernicious influence is not only still present but all-pervasive. The loss of control over our own destiny and day-to-day life increases with every new piece of legislation from our masters in Brussels and the loss of control over our currency would be a fatal blow to what is left of our sovereignty.
Stuart Rising, London UK

The only benefit I can see for joining the Euro is the luxury of going abroad and not having to change your money. We run the risk of encountering the same economic problems as Germany and that won't be good for anyone. We would have our purse strings governed by another dictatorship who is further removed from our country's needs than our own dictator Mr Blair.
Gavin, Wales

If we don't join the Euro we will be forced out of the EU! If that is what you small-minded Englanders want then just vote no. The strong pound is an illusion. In my lifetime the pound has fallen against almost every currency in the world. It was worth 4 US dollars when I was a kid. What is it now? For those that don't know, it is just 1.6! so why is it called a strong pound? We have to join or get out.
Ian Hill, Bolivia (UK)

No-one seems to be asking what happens if this European Grand Plan doesn't work? Andrew, Reading, England

No-one seems to be asking what happens if this European Grand Plan doesn't work? British politics has always been more tolerant and less prone to violent extremes than that on the Continent. Its partly because we have a more mature democracy but also because of our national character. We won't be able to avoid becoming embroiled in any fallout next time though. What if mass unemployment leads to the rise of extremist parties or terrorism leads to persecution of minorities as has happened before over there? The laws will apply to us too.
Andrew, Reading, England

If large multi-national businesses wish to account and price their products in euros there is nothing to stop them since Britain does not operate currency controls. Multi-national corporations and big business must not be allowed to dictate to the British people or its government, nor hold them to ransom. However, small businesses, shops and internal consumers have no requirement for the euro. It has been shown to increase prices in the countries which have adopted it. I have seen the price increases myself when travelling on holiday.
James Parsons, Frome, England

I am not comfortable with the UK joining the Euro in that we run the risk of subsidising the state pension funds in France and Germany. We still have very different economic views, they are much more socialist but can't deliver what they've promised. We're more realistic and set expectations that state funds won't deliver in the future. Until the rest of the EU do the same, I don't think we should join. France and Germany also need to review their relationship with the US and accept that they need to operate at a global level and not just national.
Vicky Grantham, Reading, UK

I think the decision is purely a political one Jose Lopez, London, UK

I think the decision is purely a political one. If, for example, the 'five tests' had to be conducted to decide if different regions of the UK should keep the pound the result would always be inconclusive and the UK would have 5-6 different regional currencies. The economic tests are designed to fail because the degree of convergence necessary will always be an open question. Fundamentally it has to be acknowledged that the decision to adopt the euro or not is a political one. As such it should be a matter for the cabinet and the British people.
Jose Lopez, London, UK

Keeping the pound is about controlling your own economy. The Euro countries are now economically out of step and cannot even keep in their own deficit guidelines. We can still control fiscal and monetary policy. Structurally the socialist featherbed states i.e. France and Germany are not ready for the world economy which is why they have the Euro zone, to protect them. We need to be flexible like the US to compete with China for jobs and trade, not protecting low productivity farmers, coal mining, manufacturing industries etc in the Euro zone. Not our problem, we've been through our restructuring pain. Why should we help the Euro zone? What has it ever done for us!
Justin Lees, UK

We should go for the euro - it's forward-looking, positive, internationalist. Let's leave all that "little England" baggage behind.
Mike, Exeter, England

Investment will follow flexible work force policies not a tied currency Peter Brooke, Lewes Sussex UK

Britain does not need the Euro either economically or politically. Toyota today announced investment in the UK which rather refutes the view that non-Euro economies cannot attract inward investment. Investment will follow flexible work force policies not a tied currency. By adopting the Euro, we will be forced to adopt common tax structures and a country not in control of its own economy is not a sovereign state. The EU is heading towards a federal state of nations, as shown by the plethora of control that Brussels has already over the UK; adoption of the euro will be another step in that direction - no thank you Giscard! At least not without a referendum.
Peter Brooke, Lewes Sussex UK

I'm French and the first days of the Euro have been a little hard (for conversions), but now that we are used to that, I wouldn't change. I can travel all around Europe with the same currency, and the members of the Euro can sell their goods in the community without the threat of currency evolution. Moreover, countries are still in power of their own economies. Now, the Euro works perfectly, and it would be very useful for the UK to join it, as the euro needs this great economic power. The euro, it's a part of the EU in our pockets.
Denis, Lyon, France

I voted for the Common Market, being told that it was only to open up free trade between our European allies. All I have seen during following years has been a slow process to the ending of power at Westminster and allowing more power to European bureaucrats. I say no to the euro and no to any further changes to the European constitution that takes further power away from Westminster.
Martin Holt, Oldham, England

People who live and work with the Euro don't want it. Prices and unemployment have risen in the Euro zone. Toyota has decided to invest in the UK again creating an extra 1000 jobs. Tell me why we should join the Euro again?
Duncan, London, UK

The pound has no real long term future - so we can join the Euro and have a real say in our future or we can be absorbed by the dollar and be governed by yet another Bush. Let's join the Euro SOON.
Derek Blyth, Bolton

The whole thing about prices rising in Germany due to the Euro is utter rubbish! What is true is that food prices have kept level since the 70s, and were due for an increase. So they increased, and hence the shopping basket money increased. Electricity, Gas, Telecom, electrical items all took a plunge, and we are talking about a deflation (that is prices plunging) now in Germany not a hyperinflation.

Germany's Economy is plunging because for the past 20 years no government had the guts to push a reform worth of the name reform through the parliament! At the moment Britain is a member of the EU. If it doesn't join the Euro, this will be reduced to club membership, in which case Britain might be as well out. Unfortunately Britain doesn't have an empire to fall back on anymore, and America is no friend, America will just be friendly to the UK, as long as they are useful to them (or did Bush exempt the UK from the Steel tariffs as exchange for the Iraq war friendship?). Britain should make its mind up, and do it now!
Christian Langkamp, Germany

The bureaucracy of the EU has cost this country around half a billion pounds each year Peter Lloyd, Watford, UK

I am annoyed that so many writers have little factual knowledge of the euro question - it is no wonder that the Government can manipulate the public so easily. A simple fact; the bureaucracy of the EU has cost this country around half a billion pounds each year - if you ask the question have we benefited then think what has happened to our manufacturing industry, think of how the EU countries did not support us over the CJD debacle and again over Foot & Mouth, over the thousands of asylum seekers they pushed towards this island and yet again over the Iraq war - and some wish us to get into bed with this lot!
Peter Lloyd, Watford, UK

Ever since we joined the common market in the 70s we have lost out. No car, steel, fishing or shipbuilding industries left to speak of and don't mention farming. Other major companies brought by foreign investors. What next give up our right to govern ourselves. We pay more into the euro zone than we take out propping up other countries, join the unelected in Brussels - I don't think so.
Tom, Forfar Angus, Scotland

The question should be IN or OUT of the EU. If IN then yes to the Euro and abandoning fiscal policy to the EU. If OUT then no to the Euro and retention of British Parliamentary Democracy
Capt Carr, Dorchester, England

The UK as a whole has never really embraced the EU. England is afraid of being ruled from Brussels. Wales and Scotland have been governed by another country for centuries. Having worked in Luxembourg for a year around the time of the transition to the Euro, it appeared to me that it was quite a painless process. I believe that being inside the eurozone would take out the uncertainty regarding the cost of buying / selling overseas. The sooner we join, the better.
Wyn Jones, Cardiff, Wales

We'll be paying for the pensions of all those countries who have made far less provision than ourselves Marian, UK

I have no sentimental attachment to the pound, but if we join the euro what happens next? Tax harmonization, and before we know it, we'll be paying for the pensions of all those countries who have made far less provision than ourselves, like the French and Italians. We would have to be completely crazy to join the euro.
Marian, UK

I have lived here in Germany for the last 2 years. When the Euro came into being everything shot up in price. If the UK joined, I only hope the government make sure there are restrictions put into place, so nothing doubles up over night, as it did here.
Susan, Germany

The argument that a single interest rate for Europe does not hold water. The USA which is a bigger geographical area has a single interest rate and it seems to be working just fine for them! To quote Bertie Aherne Irish Premier "I don't care what the currency is called in my pocket as long as I have plenty of it." Finally, the sooner we are the United States of Europe the better as it will restore some balance to the world.
Paul, UK

It doesn't matter whether the interest rates are set by the government or the bank of England, the important fact is that the interest rate is set to meet the needs of the UK economy. Trying to set one rate suitable for all the euro countries would be chaos and will never work. Just ask the 4.7 million unemployed in Germany, they would love to be in control of their economy again.
Alistair, UK

Why is a country that has the pound (one of the strongest currencies in the world) wants to change its currency? It makes no sense. Keep the pound!
Frankie, Canada

Britain has been part of the EU for twenty years now, and although it has not always benefited us, the UK has improved greatly. This country is more than happy to receive money from the EU. But how can we continue to be part of the EU when we are not willing to be part of its currency. With upcoming enlargement of 2004 the UK needs to be part of the EURO. Give us a referendum and let us decide, and soon!
Nicola, Plymouth, England

Nicola from Plymouth says we're happy to receive EU money. Well, actually, we contribute far more than we receive - even with our rebate. So really it's just the EU telling us how to spend our own money, slapping on a blue flag, and claiming the credit.. Quite a cunning piece of propaganda - as demonstrated by Nicola's beliefs!
Phil, London, UK

I don't believe UK will be able to reject Euro forever Robert Kaya, Australia

I don't believe Britain will be able to reject the new currency (Euro) forever whilst being an official member of EU. After all, their economy won't withstand the existing giant combined economic powers in the community. The Government will realize this reality sooner or later.
Robert Kaya, Australia

Another excuse to increase the prices of EVEYTHING, just like when we went decimal in 1971 and just like what happened in Europe when the Euro came in. Humbug.
Elizabeth Coldwell-Hall, England

We shouldn't join the Euro. We will loose much more than we will gain. Don't try to fix what ain't broken.
Michael, Liverpool

The currency we chose to trade with is irrelevant - dollars, euros, pesetas or marks - all spend the same. What is highly relevant is the ability of the taxpayer to see clearly the value delivered by the government of the day and to hold them accountable through the ballot box. A UK administration operating with the Euro will have a wonderful opportunity to hide it's shortcomings under the cloak provided by Brussels or the ECB.
Graham , Congleton UK

Geographically we are isolated. Politically we are isolated. Financially they want us to be isolated. Nice going boys. WE ARE GOING TO BE UTERLY AND TOALLY MARGINALIZED!
Harry, YORK, England

I fear that we will have little choice. There are no major parties opposed to joining, therefore all the big pressure will be applied and people will be suckered into accepting it, even though they may have a sneaking feeling that this is one more step towards a European State. Hello president Blair!
Harry Robertson, London

In 1921, the 26 counties which now comprise the Irish Republic became independent- and kept the pound! Obviously, Eamon de Valera and the other founders of the Irish Republic didn't consider having a separate currency as essential to being independent. Unlike the No campaign.
Graham, England

Joining the euro is a nice idea in principal, but it is not a good idea in practice Charlie, England

The euro may be a good idea, but not at the moment. Due to the UK's disproportionately large share of European variable rate debt (credit card and mortgage debt) interest rate movements have a much bigger effect on our economy than in the rest of Europe. Joining would increase UK economic instability, not reduce it. And that is before we consider the additional problems of the European Central Bank or other European governments' unfunded pension liabilities. Look at the strikes in Austria and France to see what a storm there is ahead over that. Joining the euro is a nice idea in principal, but it is not a good idea in practice.
Charlie, England

A referendum is essential when considering the relinquishing of control over economic and monetary policy to a body which has struggled to deal with the existing diversity amongst EU partners. The growing scope of the EU and Tony Blair's quest to be its first president should be of concern to us all. Maybe the referendum should include an examination of the proposed EU constitution.
Colin Gibb, England

It is difficult enough for the Bank of England to set an interest rate that is appropriate for both the southern housing market and the northern manufacturing sector. Can you imagine the chaos that an interest rate set to suit France, Germany and Eastern Europe could have on our housing markets?
Graham, UK

We will gain much more than we will lose Ann Jones, Wales

Let's go into it and give us the benefits that they enjoy (e.g. more holidays, better pensions) etc. It will also be good for our declining manufacturing industry. We will gain much more than we will lose.
Ann Jones, Wales

Single currency? I already have a credit card! Why lose sovereignty? Just use plastic!
Alexander Woodward, England

The main debate on whether to join the euro is not about the actual notes and coins used. It concerns giving the control of monetary policy to Brussels. As the government does not have any control in setting interest rates at the moment, it is done by the MPC, what difference would it make?
Gavin Sherriff, UK

This is a decision that should be made for economic and political reasons Andrew, UK

The Government shouldn't hold a referendum on the euro issue because the majority of the "no" brigade somehow tie their "Britishness" to a few coins and notes. This is a decision that should be made for economic and political reasons, and not small minded nationalism.
Andrew, UK

I personally feel it should be entirely up to the British people to have their vote on a referendum before taking the UK into the euro. Personally I feel the UK should keep the pound as it is a symbol of British identity
Jonathan Wynne, England

As a 'Rosbif' I lived through the change from the franc to the euro in France. Nothing really changed...the rich are still rich and the poor are still poor, as always it's a case of how much you've got and not what currency you spend.
Steve Arscott, France

Even though the Swedish and British economies differ, I don't see any reason to stay on the outside. If you can't deal with a problem inside the full EMU, don't for a second expect that you can do better on the outside. I see it as a natural development in Europe's progress.
Lennart Kjell, Sweden

It's only politics holding the UK from converting to the euro P.J. Harvey, Spain

I am British and work in Spain in the oil industry. The euro works perfectly here and the Spanish people had no trouble converting from the peseta to the euro, it's easy. Let's be fair, it's only politics holding the UK from converting to the euro.
P.J. Harvey, Spain

I would be much happier about joining the euro if the politicians were more honest about the implications and stopped pretending it is purely economic when it is also clearly political.
AC, UK

Joining the euro has nothing to do with economics and everything to do with politics. It is the first step to a United States of Europe. I, for one, am British, I am not European. The cultures are too diverse, and the differences too many to establish a USE. Keep the pound!
James, London, UK

I like the euro as I do not need to go through the pain of regular currency changes and costs Gary, UK

I travel extensively in Northern Europe on business. I like the euro as I do not need to go through the pain of regular currency changes and costs. However, speak to many of the locals and businesses and they wish they have never joined. When I look at how much it is costing us already to fund what is already a bloated, bureaucratically incapable and untrustworthy group of individuals who claim to run the EU, I believe before we join we should have it audited and shaken down. Apart from that, it's a good idea.
Gary, UK

This is a big decision that needs strong leadership to sell it. I'm not sure a referendum is necessary, but if one is to be held we need a government with as much conviction on this issue as it had on the illegal war in Iraq.
Sean Aaron, Scotland

The euro will do nothing but help big business move money and capital more easily - hastening the downward spiral of poverty currently plaguing the continent.
Sceptic, Scotland

Why is Europe so desperate for Britain to join the euro? Why has the EU only got our interests at heart when it comes to currency, but not British beef, British lamb, fishing, asylum, etc, etc. ad nausem?
Steven Wade, UK

It's time the UK became a full member of Europe instead of whining from sidelines Alan Bateman, UK

Joining the euro is a must if we are to ensure long-term economic stability in the UK. Gordon Brown's short-term political response will leave us increasingly marginalised and damage inward investment. Staying out will cost us more than going in. It's time the UK became a full member of Europe instead of whining from sidelines.
Alan Bateman, UK

This government will not give us a referendum on joining the euro unless they are certain we will all vote to join. I still don't understand how joining will benefit us. Since we joined the Common Market in the seventies our own manufacturing industries have declined as have our farming industry. Yet we drive French, German, Italian cars and a lot of the food we eat comes from Europe. There doesn't seem to be any problem with the pound when it comes to Europeans selling us their merchandise. Until the British public can see any positive reasons for joining the euro I don't think they will ever vote for it.
Heather, UK

Personally I am pro-Europe and have been for many years. I understand the argument both for and against adopting the single currency, but I feel that regardless of public feeling (or indeed my own views) we shall have to adopt the euro sooner or later due to economic differences that are bound to occur between us and other European powers. If it is our destiny to adopt the euro, why not take the plunge now?
Steve Saville, England

Come on chaps let's just get on with it shall we? Let the people decide. What's the point of being in Europe if we don't join the single currency? As for the good old pound in my pocket it's a far cry from the currency I was brought up with as a lad. Although, on second thoughts, perhaps we should adopt the US dollar instead?
Ian McInnes, UK

Nothing but interfering, negative bureaucracy has resulted from the euro factor Sheila Blake, Canada (ex -pat)

Best news I've heard in years!!! Britain is Britain - not Europe - and should be in control of it's own destiny. I've followed this issue closely for so long and to date nothing but interfering, negative bureaucracy has resulted from the euro factor.
Sheila Blake, Canada (ex-pat)

Britain must join the Euro. It will be the major world currency well into the future which renders arguments about "independence" ridiculous. There is no such thing in the world economy, only political tinkering around the edges. When Britain should join is the point where the political tinkering comes in.
Hilton Grayson, Australia

Why sign up for something as important as an entirely new currency when it simply isn't necessary? Yes, Britain's manufacturing industry is suffering due to the strength of the pound, but Britain has been moving away from the manufacturing industry for years now, triggered by the rise of the unions in the 70's. If a business isn't economically viable any longer, then that business should cease to exist, not be subsidised by the nation due to some misplaced sentimentality. The average chap in the street will probably not benefit from joining the euro, but he probably won't suffer either. Following a brief transition, I'd guess that most people wouldn't be affected one way or another, however, for once and all Britain would lose control over its economic future, to be dictated to by the unaccountable suits in Brussels. I think people find this far more concerning than the introduction of a new set of coins.
Doug, England

All sceptics seem to thrive on a misplaced sense of economic control Fries, Taiwan

Do the British really think they possess more national identity than any other European nation? Was or is the pound the most stable, oldest or most beautiful currency in Europe? All sceptics seem to thrive on a misplaced sense of economic control (there's no such thing), not to mention nationalism. It's time for Britain to exploit its language superiority and take charge in moving Europe forward.
Fries, Taiwan

I have always been very pro-Europe and have wanted us to join the single currency for years. But, at the moment, I have to say I don't think it would be in our economic interest to go in. Gordon Brown and the Bank of England are doing a great job in keeping our economy so buoyant in the face of not so strong European economies.
James Macleod, England

I find it hard to comprehend any British politician prepared to hand over this country's entire economic future to a Union that is both politically and culturally poles apart from the UK. whether we like it or not we are not instinctively European and never will be. These old economies will eventually be superseded by both America and far eastern countries and the UK must be able to respond to this new order without being encumbered by the state controlled political dinosaurs of mainland Europe. this is not about sentimentality, its about our future economic survival
Mike H, UK

It is simply a question of whether a single monetary policy is right for Britain and the rest of Europe John, UK

This really need be nothing but an economic decision. It is not a question of sovereignty, it is simply a question of whether a single monetary policy is right for Britain and the rest of Europe. In the United States a single currency works because there is substantial labour mobility. In the short to medium term this simply doesn't exist in Europe and so asymmetric shocks which could be alleviated with differing monetary policies do not have the backup of labour mobility. This is why with a single interest rate some economies using the Euro are successful while others fail. In the long run of course economic cycles will come into line and a single interest rate can match the entire zone. Its simply that this long run could be 20 years down the line, with significant pain to realise it. Sterling is strong, so our manufacturing sector is weak. However, our financial and services sectors are extremely competitive internationally. Ultimately it isn't in the short term ! economics interests of Britain to join at this time. We are too culturally divided from Europe for labour mobility to work.
John, UK

Isn�t it obvious that the UK economy is more like the US rather than that of the Eurozone? By entering the euro the idea of giving up interest rate control to an unelected body is absolutely crazy. This just proves we need more democracy when it comes to the EU. We need voting right on actual topics rather than installing a dictatorship in for a particular period. A better refined system of the people's voices rather than entering a monetary system that will do the UK economy far more harm than good, this is what the UK should be pushing for and this is how the UK will have its voice in the EU
Stuart, USA (ex pat UK)

I do not feel academically competent to judge the finer arguments of Euro membership except to admit to a felling that Mr. Brown's "tests" seem somewhat contrived for political rather than economic purposes. I do feel very uneasy with our apparent unsuitability to integrate economically with our European neighbours. I feel positively alarmed at our increasingly closer integration with the U.S. of Bush!
John Rainey, Scotland

This is a mistake! The UK is drifting further away from Europe. Maybe it will pass the economic tests to enter the US dollar!! Why cant Northern Ireland be given the chance to enter the Euro. We border the Rep. of Ireland which is part of the Eurozone, and many cross border trades occur daily. England businesses do not even accept the Northern Irish bank notes, we may as well be part of the Euro. Go with the future, and stop living in the past, maybe Tony and co. would prefer if the rest of Europe changed their currencies to the British pound. The UK is no bigger than any other state in Europe.
Connaire McGreevy, Northern Ireland

Why do we continue to be the 'awkward partner' in European integration process? History does repeat itself! UK joined the EEC in 1973 with less than favourable terms just because we waited to see how the integration process picks up. Same blunder is in the making again; eventually the government and the people realize we should've joined [the euro] a long time ago and when we do eventually join it will be far more costlier process than it would have been in 1999. The government needs to launch an aggressive campaign to sell the Euro to the British public before a referendum, otherwise our tabloid reading voters will turn down the single currency - and they will do so for all the wrong reasons.
Setti M, Southsea, UK

British people has always been afraid of change. The same happened when they had to change from pounds to kilos. They were scared. They rather hold to the old for centuries than take the risk. Just go out any day in any part of England and you will see the difference between the old fashion and narrow minded England and the modern and stylish rest of Europe.
juan, uk

I think the sooner we adopt the Euro the better...this dithering is harmful to British business. A referendum is not necessary, and to my mind is a waste of money. Ultimately our joining up is inevitable.
Phillip Blenkinsop, Cymru

Joining the Euro is inevitable because it is forward integration, not backwards. It requires foresight to realise that the Euro is Britain's only chance of succeeding as a major global player in the 21st century. Whether the pound is strong now or not is irrelevant because the Euro is a new currency. Time will tell whether European unity prevails or isolationism does but by then Britain would have wasted an opportunity.
Ronnie, London, UK