Right of Reply: Rt Hon Lord Parkinson

The chairman of the Conservative Party replies to criticism of William Hague's euro referendum

JOHN CURTICE makes a number of fundamental mistakes when he predicts that the Shadow Cabinet's position on the euro will be out of date by the next General Election.

First, he forgets that clear principles and strong leadership usually make for successful politics. Second, he misunderstands the purpose of our ballot on the single currency. And finally, he underestimates William Hague.

Mr Curtice is right on one point - that the public is open to persuasion on the euro. But this cuts both ways. It is wrong to assume that popular opinion is set on a one-way street towards support for British membership of EMU.

We have powerful arguments which will strike a chord with the British people: on whether a single European interest rate could be the right rate for Britain; on whether EMU will lead to taxing powers being centralised at European level; and, above all, on the importance of a pragmatic approach.

We believe that the British people want to see how the euro works in bad times as well as good. The Government has taken a dogmatic decision, committing Britain to the single currency in principle, even before they know whether it could work for our economy.

Mr Curtice dismisses the ballot because "foreign affairs typically come well down the list of most voters' priorities". But this is not just "foreign affairs". It is about how Britain's economy is run. The ballot will free Conservatives to attack the Government on other issues on which it is vulnerable.

Party members are sick of arguments about our policy on the single currency. A ballot will give clarity and consistency to our position. By putting our divisions behind us, William Hague is giving Conservatives a chance to start winning again.