EURO-MP Brian Simpson has welcomed the Prime Minister's announcement of the national changeover plan which will ensure that Britain is well prepared should the British people decide to vote in favour of joining the Euro in a referendum.

The plan will set out the time scale of all stages to the Euro, from the referendum to the conversion of notes and coins.

It will also prepare a time frame for any changes in the law, and details for banks and shops on dual pricing.

Labour has made it clear that British membership of a successful single currency would be beneficial to Britain.

Before putting the questions of joining the Euro to a public referendum, the Government will apply five economic tests:

1 Converging of the business cycle

2 Ensuring the economy can respond to change

3 The impact on investment

4 The impact on financial services

5 The impact on jobs

Mr Simpson continued: "This is a commitment by the Government to work in the best interests of Britain and the National change over plan will prepare the public and British business for a successful Euro should the public vote to join in a referendum.

The Tories are split from top to bottom on Europe, blinded by their own integral war and not what is best for Britain and British businesses.

Labour MEP's are pro-actively working in Europe on issues which have a real impact on the lives of people in Runcorn and Widnes."

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.