Now it's your call on Europe, Mr Blair

Article Abstract:

UK prime minister John Major continues to refuse to commit his government to not taking the country into a single European currency in the first wave, and has reiterated that this issue will continue to be left open. This is because he is aware that making such a commitment would prompt the resignation of Kenneth Clarke, and possibly Michael Heseltine too. This approach could work to the political advantage of the Labour party if it were to beat the Conservatives to making a commitment to keeping the UK out of a single European currency initially. However, Labour party leader Tony Blair is aware that this would not be in the national interest.

Blair, Tony, Political aspects

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The tactic was wrong, and so was the timing

Article Abstract:

UK prime minister John Major was misguided in refusing until the last possible moment to meet demands from anti-Europeans within the Conservative party for a debate on preparation for European monetary union. He should have accepted that it was important for such a debate to be allowed to go ahead, as it addresses key public concerns about Europe. Indeed, the government did not really have anything to hide on this issue, and chancellor Kenneth Clarke made it clear that he was willing for a debate to be held.

United Kingdom, Planning, International relations, European Union, British foreign relations

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He who dares wins - and he did

Article Abstract:

John Major has defied predictions by achieving a clear victory in the ballot for the leadership of the Conservative party. He was well aware that he was taking a gamble which could have led to the end of his political career, but was determined to go ahead. His almost reckless attitude stems from developments in the recent history of the Conservative party, with parliamentary rebellion having become common.

Conservative Party (United Kingdom)

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