20.42, Tuesday 13 Jun 2000

Silence will not defend the euro from its enemies. Spot on. People are anti the euro because they don't know better (oh yeah, so you aren't influenced by what the loudest voice is saying. And advertising doesn't work either).

This country should join the single currency. The Government aren't going to convince anybody of that if they get dragged into the debate in a general election situation in six months to a year's time. They should embrace Europe, fully, now. When legislation passes through the Commons that is because of an EC Directorate, make it clear that's the case. When money is given for regional development, tell everybody. Demonstrate that European policy is Westminster policy because we helped make it. Stop pretending that we lead the EU and tell people what is really happening. And once it's obvious that we're not part of Europe but that we are European, it'll be obvious that it would be stupid to keep sterling.