Lord Haskins Launches Scathing Attack on Euro-Sceptics

Lord Haskins, a prominent supporter of the euro and close associate of Tony Blair, criticized euro-sceptics during a debate on the single currency, labeling them a mix of "eccentrics, fanatics, political cowards, intellectual purists, ultra-nationalists, disenchanted lefties, and avaricious newspaper proprietors." The debate, hosted by Britain in Europe, was attended by chamber of commerce members, who ultimately voted in favor of British entry into the euro at some point in the future.

Key Takeaways:

• Lord Haskins identified five main groups of euro-sceptics: the Conservatives, idealists led by Martin Taylor, ultra-nationalists led by Paul Sykes, Old-Labour politicians, and those who want the UK to move closer to the US.
• Lord Haskins stated that UK sovereignty has been illusory for much of the 20th century and that joining the euro is risky but remaining outside is riskier.
• Lord Lamont argued that euro membership would damage the UK due to economic convergence and a common interest rate being wrong for some countries.
• Both Business for Sterling speakers supported William Hague's call for the withdrawal of the government's national changeover plan for the euro until a decision to enter has been approved in a referendum.
• The debate was attended by leading members of Britain in Europe and Business for Sterling, and a majority of delegates voted in favor of British entry into the euro at some point in the future.

Statistics:

• 120,000: Number of member companies in the BCC, which plans to poll its membership later this year to see if opinion has changed since the launch of the euro.
• 11: Number of countries that launched the euro in January.
• 3 years: Estimated time frame for the UK to join the euro, according to Lord Haskins.
• 1999: Year the Financial Times Limited published the article.

Sources:

• "Lord Haskins launches scathing attack on euro-sceptics" by Financial Times Limited, 1999.