24 July 2001, 13:50 UK Treasury spokesman denies report of no euro vote until next election
LONDON (AFX) - A UK Treasury spokesman denied a newspaper report
that the Treasury's chief economic adviser, Ed Balls, said the
government will not call for a referendum on the euro until after the
next general election.
"The government's position is clear, and there's nothing in this
story," the spokesman said.
The Independent reported Balls as warning that an early referendum
could split the Labour party and put the UK's economic stability at
risk.
It quoted an ally of Brown, who attended Balls' speech to a
conference two weeks ago, as saying, "It was the clearest possible
statement that we won't hold a euro referendum in the parliament."
According to the Independent, Balls' comments may renew tensions
between Brown and prime minister Tony Blair.
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