Letter: UK can seize leadership in Europe

Sir: The bald "Wait and see" policy adopted by both Tories and Labour over the question of European Monetary Union is an abnegation of national leadership ("Party leaders play the sceptic card", 15 April). It is a cop-out, made not for the national interest but to satisfy Euro- sceptics in both parties. Of course it is wise to assemble all the facts before making a decision; but to assemble the facts in a vacuum of intent is cowardice.

When the time comes to make a decision about joining or not, there will be no real choice available unless deliberate policies have been followed to meet the convergence criteria, so that any decision to join can in fact be implemented.

DENYS WHATMORE

Cheltenham,

Gloucestershire