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Early day motion tabled by primary sponsor Lord Baker of Dorking (Conservative), on Wednesday, 8 February 1995, in the House of Commons. It is signed by 104 members in total.

UK AND SINGLE CURRENCY

That this House congratulates the Prime Minister for making it clear on 8th January that it is not in the United Kingdom's interest to join a single currency in 1997 and for his confirmation and there are no proposals for legislation necessary for the purpose nor for the United Kingdom to accept any changes at the Inter-Governmental Conference which will impact on the constitution of the United Kingdom; and notes his rejections of the support for the principle of a single currency by the Leader of Her Majesty's Opposition and M. Jacques Santer.

Amendments

The Early day motion has received 3 amendments.

581A1
leave out from `1997' to end and add`; is convinced that, by putting common sense before dogma, Britain can continue to lead the argument for better budget arrangements and tighter budget controls, reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, the principle of subsidiarity and the practice of inter-governmental co-operation and agreement; urges the Government to counter the relentlessly negative attitudes of some, and remind the electorate of the advantages to Britain of Union membership; and supports the Government's aim to be at the heart of Europe in the self-confident belief that co-operation does not mean centralisation or capitulation, and that a positive and pragmatic approach is the best for Britain and for Europe.'.
581A2
at end add: `and further notes that nothing in the foregoing nor any statement by the Prime Minister excludes the possibility that the United Kingdom might accede to a single currency system some time after 1997, provided the institutional arrangements and economic circumstances are seen to be in our national interest; believes that, because of the constitutional aspects of such a step, it should, following any parliamentary approval, be submitted to the people of the United Kingdom in a referendum; and finally warns Conservative protagonists that if they continue campaigning with current zeal on this distant and hypothetical issue they will ensure that the House of Commons which may have to take the ultimate decision will have a non-Conservative majority'.
581A3
leave out from `clear' to end and add `that the Conservatives are split on European issues and incapable of making a decision on a single currency on the basis of the national interest; and looks forward to the election of a Labour Government which puts the British people before internal party bickering.'.

Secondary information

Type
Early day motion
Reference
581 
581A1 
581A2 
581A3 
Session
1994-95
Other sponsors
Thomas Arnold
Lord King of Bridgwater
Lord Howell of Guildford
Lord Hamilton of Epsom
Subjects
Economic and monetary union Intergovernmental Conference 1996
Link
View this Early day motion on www.parliament.uk