Euro

Although we appreciate much of the older generation never really wanted to be part of Europe and in all probability the younger generation in the fullness of time will regret our entry, we nevertheless are a member state. We do have some specific advantages at present, most notably the retention of the pound and our border controls. We can only work within the framework in an endeavour to retain these benefits for as long as possible and hopefully bring about change to suit the needs of our nation.

Europe has certainly improved some aspects of commerce and travel in the Union, but to relinquish the pound whilst retaining these advantages would be unfortunate. Ultimately we will probably lose this battle and have to adopt the Euro. The world is becoming small and secular, somewhat like the superstores in this country displacing all the smaller shops. In the short term, the world markets will centralise into large clubs, such as Europe, America, S. America, Asia, China and Russia. They each will have their own currency and to be outside one of these domains would be undesirable.

Most older voters want to retain the pound. Many are still unhappy with the metric weights and measures but have found it necessary to adapt. Price increases are forecast if we adopt the Euro (it happened in Eire) and in this situation, pensioners, with their income NOT linked to UK wages, would be the real losers. We do see the pound as different as it is a fundamental token of our nations culture and a representation of our independence. If we do lose the pound then we must ensure that we do not lose financially as we did when our money was decimalised in 1971.