Hear All Sides

THE EURO

YOUR comment (Echo, Jan 2) states that the momentous launch of the euro involves 12 European nations. Should this not be 13 European nations because it looks as if we are being steamrollered into accepting the euro by the back door.

If, as also stated Britain and the euro is not a done deal, why on earth are some shops dealing in euros now? I think that Peter Hain, Europe Minister, must think the British people are stupid.

I can remember the word referendum being mentioned last year by Tony Blair. Obviously this has been conveniently forgotten. - AL Carter, Marske, Redcar.

IT is irrelevant whether Britain joins the euro or not and whether we have a referendum or not, because it will eventually become the most used currency in this country and the pound will fade away and in time will hardly be recognised.

Millions of Britains go to Europe on holiday or for business purposes, and millions of Europeans come to Britain likewise, and few of those visitors will come with pound notes in their pockets and will only spend money where the euro is acceptable. Britons with pound notes will find it difficult to buy things.

The most important aspect of the single currency in Europe, which hardly any politician voiced, is that there will not be another world war, and with that prospect disappearing there will be peace for our children and grandchildren, and that is worth any financial or other difficulties. - E Reynolds, Wheatley Hill.

THE euro is not just a matter of currency change, which I believe the majority do not want, but it is all the other changes that would automatically be included that this Government will not speak or discuss with anybody.

Now is the time to consider the effects on the people of this once proud country of having the loss of sovereignty, English laws, elected MPs, freedom of speech and personal rights.

The Government of this country signed up to join the European Community for the purpose of trading with the other European countries, after holding a referendum, and that was all.

Now this Government is trying to bring in the euro by the back door, without telling anybody what the true implications are, because they know that the majority of people in this country do not want foreigners running our country.

Let's hope that now is the time to put all the points for and against joining the economic state of Europe. Now is the time to set out the facts, then vote on them. - RL Groves, Crook.

HUGH Morgan Williams' case for the euro (Echo, Jan 1) avoids the key areas of concern.

Of course a single currency throughout Europe has benefits, but joining the euro is more than that.

It involves relinquishing governmental powers, like allowing our interest rates to be set by the European Central Bank. How can a case for the euro fail to comment on this and similar subjects?

I am not against joining the euro, but I am undecided and I invite Hugh Morgan Williams to answer my concerns. Precisely what powers will our Government relinquish to Brussels and Frankfurt if we join the euro? What are the benefits and the risks of relinquishing these powers? - E Foster, Darlington.

THE campaign to brainwash us all into accepting entry into euroland as inevitable is well under way.

Much time and effort is put into telling people how convenient it is, what pretty notes and shiny new coins!

John Elliott is a voice of reason amidst all the hype (Echo, Jan 1). He draws our attention to the serious facts from which all the gushing pro-euro camp try to divert our attention.

No matter how convenient for holiday makers and some businesses the euro may be, if Britain is no longer in charge of her own financial affairs, we have lost perhaps the most vital part of our sovereignty.

As Mr Elliott points out, the ERM ten years ago was a disaster for Britain. Then, we were able to withdraw and recover. If we join the euro, there will be no way out when things go wrong. - EA Moralee, Billingham.

PETER Hain is going around the country, plugging the euro. The Government is to introduce the subject into schools. Large firms are accepting the euro. The BBC and most of the media are pro-euro.

Millions of pounds are being spent on its inauguration into this country, before we have had a chance to vote on it in a referendum.

Why all the Eurocreep, bringing it in to our country through the back door? We have the soundest economy in Europe. The small business man doesn't want it. The people don't want to be ruled from Brussels or Frankfurt.

If Tony Blair was a straight up kind of a guy, he would give us a referendum, now! - J Ross, Tyne and Wear.

TONY Blair says we would be foolish to pretend the euro does not exist. In one of his few real attempts to justify us joining the euro he says: "There is potential for stability."

Has he not realised the euro has existed for three years now and has depreciated 15 per cent in that time. Is this the stability we need?

I suggest Mr Blair's trustworthiness on statements about Europe should be thoroughly scrutinised. He has betrayed socialist supporters with his crazy mix of right wing policies, has caused the country untold anguish and expense by trying to sweep FMD under the carpet to enable an election to take place, has eroded democracy as the British know it, and has tried to deceive us by insisting Europe will not be a federal state when European leaders openly state it will.

Would not the only foolish Britons be those who trusted this man and voted yes in a referendum to join the euro? - J Heslop, Gainford.