Blair has not ruled out early euro referendum
By Marit Ruuda
British Prime Minister Tony Blair has not ruled out a euro referendum before the next general election - expected in 2005. Both pro and anti-euro campaigners, however, believe that the chances for an early referendum on the single currency have disappeared.
Sweden's decision to reject the euro will not influence on British debate, Mr Blair told the BBC's Breakfast with Frost programme.
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"I don't see any point, irrespective of what happens in Sweden, in ruling anything out", said the Prime Minister on Sunday (28 September).
"Let's keep our options open, that's what we'll do", Mr Blair said ahead of the Labour Party's annual conference in Bournemouth, which begins today (29 September).
Mr Blair's comments come at a time when the leaders of the anti-euro No campaign have announced they will be stepping down by the end of the year.
The Director of the pro-euro campaign Britain in Europe, Simon Buckby, has also announced his resignation.
When to re-run tests?
The co-Directors of the 'no' campaign, George Eustice and Janet Bush, said in a statement that they are leaving the campaign because there is no "realistic prospect of a referendum during this parliament". The current Director of communications, Matthew McGregor, will take over.
In June British Chancellor Gordon Brown delivered his verdict on the five economic tests, saying that the tests had not been passed. Mr Brown promised to examine the situation early in 2004 to decide whether or not to re-run the tests.
