News from
David Sumberg MEP
12/05/2003
SUMBERG DEMANDS EURO REFERENDUM
North West Conservative MEP David Sumberg is demanding the Prime Minister holds an immediate nationwide referendum on joining the Euro.
Mr Sumberg made his plea on the eve of Tony Blair’s June 7 deadline for the Chancellor to deliver his judgement on the five economic tests of whether euro entry is in Britain's interests. If the tests are passed Tony Blair is free to call a referendum.
But Mr Sumberg said Mr Blair’s self imposed five tests were a sham.
“The reality is that the tests are irrelevant,’ he said. “The only test that counts is whether Blair thinks he can win a referendum. But instead of dithering from Blair Britain needs strong leadership. A decision on a Euro referendum date needs to be made urgently. It is of such colossal importance it is staggering Britain still does not know where its economic future lies. It is time to get the referendum over with and I trust the public’s judgement to kick the Euro out.”
Mr Sumberg said the continued uncertainty over the UK’s entry into the Euro would increase the strain on business and jobs.
“I am seriously concerned that if the Chancellor says the five tests have not been met – as is expected – the referendum will be delayed indefinitely threatening jobs, savings and commerce,' he said. “Iain Duncan Smith has made it clear the Conservatives would not take Britain into the Euro. We believe surrendering our ability to set interest rates, according to our economic needs, would have catastrophic consequences. Once we're in the Euro we can't get out. We know how to run our economy best and we will always put our best interest first.”