Euro in the Queen's Speech, says Cook

The Euro will feature in next week's Queen's Speech,Robin Cook, the Leader of the Commons, said yesterday.

But he refused to be drawn on whether legislation on a referendum on the single currency would be mentioned.

Asked whether the Government would feature the euro in the Queen's Speech, Mr Cook said: "You would not expect me to talk about what is in it, that is capital treason.

"Sure, the euro will be there and I think you will be interested in it, but you will have to wait and see." He added: "I am not saying that the paving legislation is not there, nor am I saying it is there."

The Prime Minister and his ministers have remained tight-lipped on the timetable for the single currency, sticking only to the mantra that the Government will recommend entry to the eurozone if and when the five economic tests have been met.

Downing Street sought to play down the importance of Mr Cook's remarks. Tony Blair's official spokesman said: "I don't think that anybody would think that were are in a different place after the Queen's Speech than before on the euro."