The Single European Currency

This book evaluates the economic and political implications of Britain's possible adoption of the Euro in a manner intended to be intelligible to laymen as well as professionals. It was begun at a time when there seemed to be an acute public need for a rational analysis of the issue and it initially explores some observations about economic behaviour drawn from a lifetime's work experience. As well as reviewing the UK Treasury's later findings on the question it assesses its important political aspects, including the recently rejected EU Constitution. Anticipating that China's rise as an economic power could prove the catalyst that induces the countries of the Euro-zone to adopt more market-oriented economic policies, the book insists that the question of Britain's membership of the Euro must continue to be monitored and attacks the apparent intransigence of Conservative Party policy on Europe. Its final pages are devoted to personal political reflections of vital relevance to Britain's long-term future.