Britain is being failed by government leaders who have ducked out of arguing the case for euro entry because of fear of a political backlash, Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy was saying today.
Mr Kennedy was promising to ``lead from the front'' in the battle for entry into the European single currency. His campaign would be ``patriotic'' because euro membership was in Britain's best interests, he was set to say.
Prime Minister Tony Blair was wrong to claim that the decision on the euro was an economic one which could be settled by Chancellor Gordon Brown's five tests, according to the Lib Dem leader.
Speaking at his inauguration into the European Senate of Honour, Mr Kennedy was due to say: ``Be in no doubt, the arguments over euro membership in Britain are not at heart economic any more. They are political.
``We have had successive governments which have been terrified of courting political unpopularity. And as a result they have failed to act in the country's best interests.
``I have called for a clear timetable leading to a referendum no later than next year. ``I will make it absolutely clear that this is a patriotic case. It is in Britain's interests to join the euro.''
Mr Kennedy was nominated to the Senate of Honour by former Tory Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath for his ``efforts to promote peace and unity, both on a national and international scale, but above all on a European level''.
The inauguration ceremony was taking place today in Antwerp, Belgium.
PA