Labour Conference: Challenge on Europe

Pauline Green, leader of Labour's MEPs, told the conference that Tony Blair's Government should "take the lead in shaping the future of Europe" and embrace membership of a single currency.

Delegates were also urged by the Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres not just to climb aboard the European train but to get into the engine room.

Ms Green said Labour's election had given the socialist family a majority in the EU. But she warned: "What goes with that predominance is the responsibility to make a difference."

The "direction, tone and effectiveness" of the new Government had already had an impact in Europe and Britain now had the chance to "offer some leadership", she said.