Airstrip One

Decisions, Decisions - 18th May 2003, 22.38

Gordon Brown, on Breakfast with Frost today, stated that he was, in principle, in favour of the Euro and that he would campaign for a 'Yes' vote in any referendum. This was an unsubtle hint that his announcement of the 'five tests' would postpone a final decision until such time that the government could command sufficient support from the public.

Brown's influence on the decsion appears to have been strengthened after a Yougov poll in the Observer demonstrated that his endorsement could swing public support behind the single currency. As living standards stagnate or fall this year, Brown may find that his reputation for probity suffers and that he loses his sway over public opinion on this issue.