The Euro - Yes yes yes? :: Wessex Scene Online

The Euro - Yes yes yes?

24th October 2003
Kate Atwell

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The Euro - should Britain join?

YES! The Euro. Such a simple word, but a word that has sparked bitter criticism and a continuous wave of controversy. The Euro has had so much publicity in the British press (even giving Posh and Becks a run for their money!) that it is difficult to ignore its importance in the future of European political, economic and cultural life.

It is no secret that the idea of our Great British nation joining the Euro is not a popular conception in Britain. However, should we students as the next generation of politicians, businesspeople and responsible adults start asking what the Euro can do for us?

So, the Swedes recently said ‘Neij’ to this little silver coin and the Danes turned it down three years ago. We should not be scared of the Euro. Accession into a shared European currency does not implicitly mean the shedding of our British ‘culture’, handing over all of our sovereign powers to Brussels or a harmful dent to our precious economy. Now, our confidence in Mr ‘Colgate’ Blair may be dwindling at present but surely there must be good reasons for his dogmatic backing of the Euro?

For starters the Euro is great for travellers because it makes European travel more convenient. When you take your obligatory student ‘finding yourself’ year out (aka one giant European pub crawl!) is it not easier to carry one currency rather than changing it in 8 different national banks?

Forget what you are hearing about the prise rises due to the Euro. I am no economist but even I understand that ‘swings and roundabouts’ thing that they teach you in your first year studying Economic History. It will, in time, even out so that you get more for your Euro on the continent.

In an economic sense the Euro also brings benefits. So, we are currently trading with Europe as part of an Economic Community, right? Well, if the rest of Europe is trading in Euros between each other and we are still insisting on using this old pound then are we not missing out on something? And what about the Euro in it’s forging of inter-European relations? Forget the technical stuff. This is yet another example of Britain getting ‘cold feet’ on European issues. Given the political status quo this seems to be a great opportunity to move closer to Europe and away from the grasp of America, I am not of course implying that Tony Blair is being led astray by George Bush..

Lest we not forget that the whole idea of an integrated Europe after WWII was to mould a more peaceful through cooperation - which is not happening to its complete capacity currently with European countries opting out of the Euro.