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Hague, William

Tory Party Divided Over European Monetary Union

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Conservative MPs are at odds over the party's stance on European Monetary Union (EMU) following William Hague's announcement of victory in a ballot opposing progress towards a single currency. The divide has been highlighted by senior Midland Tory MPs, with euro-sceptics plotting the next move in a "no, never" campaign, while others, such as shadow Defence Secretary John Maples, call for restraint and a more open-minded approach.

Key Takeaways:

  • A ballot of party members opposing progress towards a single currency resulted in a three-to-one majority against EMU, with William Hague declaring victory.
  • Euro-sceptic MPs, including Bill Cash and Richard Shepherd, argue that the party should remain committed to opposing EMU, citing concerns about federalism and sovereignty.
  • Shadow Defence Secretary John Maples advocates for restraint, suggesting that the single currency should not be ruled out completely, but rather be considered in the long term.
  • An ICM poll indicates that half of all Tory voters want Britain to either join the single currency soon or decide on its membership after only three or four years.
  • Former Deputy Prime Minister Michael Heseltine and former Prime Minister Edward Heath contradict William Hague's assertion that the argument is over, and suggest that the decision on EMU lies with the Government.
  • Euro-sceptic MPs threaten to push the ballot backing for no movement on EMU until after the next Parliament into outright opposition.
  • Hague accused pro-European heavyweights Heseltine and Clarke of being out of touch with party members and warned them that dissenters would receive "short shrift".

Statistics:

  • A three-to-one majority opposed EMU in the ballot of party members (exact figure not specified).
  • Half of all Tory voters want Britain to either join the single currency soon or decide on its membership after only three or four years (source: ICM poll).
  • 50% of Conservative voters have a clear position on the single currency (source: Conservative survey).
  • 75% of Conservative voters oppose membership of the single currency (source: Conservative survey).

Sources:

  • ICM poll
  • Conservative survey
  • "Conservative conference: Heseltine and Heath at odds with Hague" (report page 3)
  • "Hague warns of fresh bid to block single currency" (report page 6)
  • "Europe divides Tories as party conference arrives in Bournemouth" (report page 15)

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