01/12/2008
UK 'Closer' To Euro-Zone Than Ever Before, Says EC President
European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso has said some UK politicians are prepared to sign-up to the euro in a bid to stave-off the effects of the international financial crisis.
Mr Barroso said the likelihood of the UK joining the euro-zone is now ‘closer’ than ever.
He told French radio station RTL: "We are now closer than ever before.
"I'm not going to break the confidentiality of certain conversations, but some British politicians have already told me, 'If we had the euro, we would have been better off'."
However, the EC President recognised that the majority of British people are opposed to the notion of entering into the single currency.
"I don't mean this will happen tomorrow, I know that the majority (of British people) are still opposed, but there is a period of consideration underway and the people which matter in Britain are currently thinking about it."
A Downing Street spokesman said: "We have no comment on this. Our position on the euro is the same - it has not changed."
(PR/KMcA)
Mr Barroso said the likelihood of the UK joining the euro-zone is now ‘closer’ than ever.
He told French radio station RTL: "We are now closer than ever before.
"I'm not going to break the confidentiality of certain conversations, but some British politicians have already told me, 'If we had the euro, we would have been better off'."
However, the EC President recognised that the majority of British people are opposed to the notion of entering into the single currency.
"I don't mean this will happen tomorrow, I know that the majority (of British people) are still opposed, but there is a period of consideration underway and the people which matter in Britain are currently thinking about it."
A Downing Street spokesman said: "We have no comment on this. Our position on the euro is the same - it has not changed."
(PR/KMcA)
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09 June 2003
Time still not right for euro entry says Brown
It was the poorest kept secret in politics – but now it has become a matter of record that the time is yet not right for Britain to join the single currency.
Time still not right for euro entry says Brown
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17 December 2009
Warning On Under-15s Drinking
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Warning On Under-15s Drinking
England's top doctor has warned parents against giving alcohol to children under the age of 15. Launching guidance on the issue, Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson said public consultation found parents backed the ban on alcohol for under-15s.
11 October 2004
Comical stereotypes reinforce ageism, says report
Stereotypes of older people as sick and vulnerable, heroically young and active or just comically grumpy like TV’s Victor Meldrew are "major barriers" preventing their needs from being heard or acted upon, a leading lobby group has said.
Comical stereotypes reinforce ageism, says report
Stereotypes of older people as sick and vulnerable, heroically young and active or just comically grumpy like TV’s Victor Meldrew are "major barriers" preventing their needs from being heard or acted upon, a leading lobby group has said.
20 March 2012
First New British Piano For 78 Years Launched
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First New British Piano For 78 Years Launched
The British piano-making industry, which has dwindled to a handful of craftsman producing individual commissions, is set to welcome its first newcomer for 78 years.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.