London - A referendum on Britain joining the single currency could be held in 18 months' time, it emerged last night. Commons leader Mr Robin Cook urged caution about speculation on the timing of the euro poll. But the europhile former foreign secretary did not deny reports that the government aims to hold the crucial vote in spring 2003.
Mr Cook was commenting on reports that senior Downing Street adviser Mr Roger Liddle told Euro MPs that period had been "pencilled in" for the poll. Downing Street said Mr Liddle "did not recognise the account of the so-called private conversation" but did not deny spring 2003 was the target. Earlier, Mr Cook insisted a decision on the timing could not be taken ahead of an assessment of the five economic tests set out by Chancellor Gordon Brown.
"No decision has been made on any date for a referendum and nor can any such decision be made because it must follow, not precede, the decision on whether or not the economic decisions have been met," he said. However, Mr Cook did not deny the date had been "pencilled in". "I would be a little cautious about building too strongly on remarks which are being reported at third hand from a dinner," he said.