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Conservative Leader: Britain in Europe but not Run by Europe
Britain's Conservative opposition leader William Hague said on Sunday that he wanted Britain to be enthusiastic about its membership of the European Union, "but not run by Europe."
"I want to be in Europe, but not run by Europe," he said in a television interview with the BBC.
"That means being an enthusiastic participant in the European Union, but drawing the line in the sand now and saying we will not hand over any more of the rights and powers of our country beyond the control of the people of this country."
Large sections of Hague's party have taken a Euro-sceptic stance particularly toward the prospect of Britain joining the single currency, the euro.
The euro issue will be crucial in the general elections, Hague said.
The Labour government of Prime Minister Tony Blair has promised a referendum on joining the single currency when conditions, such as economic convergence, investment and employment, are considered favorable.
Blair reiterated last week that Britain wanted in principle to sign up to the euro, but would only do so when economic conditions were right.
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