LABOUR will "lead from the front" during Britain's presidency of the European Union in the first half of 1998, their manifesto states. Britain's chances of joining the single currency in the first wave of membership must overcome "formidable obstacles", but a Labour government will set three preconditions to joining during the next parliament.
First the Cabinet will have to agree; then parliament; and finally the people "would have to say yes in a referendum".
A Labour government would retain Britain's veto in Europe over "key areas" of national interest, for example taxation, immigration and decisions over the budget and treaty changes. Britain will be committed to the Social Chapter - the manifesto declares "an `empty chair' at the negotiating table is disastrous".
Trident the nuclear submarine will be retained. But Labour will press for mulitilateral negotiations towards reductions in nuclear weapons and ensure Britain is included in those negotiations. A Labour government would also support a European Union code governing arms sales.
Using its permanent position on the Security Council, Labour will press for "substantial reform" of the United Nations.
