The simple fact of the matter is that we are already an integral part of Europe. The government is working behind the scenes to try and persuade everyone by putting the case for a single currency. This is pretty clear from the information available at the web site on Britain in Europe.

We have all heard the loony tunes stories about directives from Brussels and insane concerns about the shape and length of bananas and other such topics but lets face reality and look back to 1975. It was expected that the EEC Referendum of June 1975 would result in a clear majority for a no vote on Europe. In actual fact the no campaigners lost by a 2:1 majority. Looking around the internet it would appear that there are very conflicting views on whether or not the Euro or indeed Europe is good for us.

The Unofficial EU Flag Website are very clear on their opposition to Europe.

West Midlands Simon Murphy has been an MEP since 1994, was Leader of Britain's Labour Euro MP's from January 2000 to September 2002 and is a member of the Labour Party National Executive Committee. From his office in West Bromwich he puts a strong case for Europe. Here is an extract from his web site.

"There are 380,000 reasons why Britain should be leading in Europe not leaving it. That is the number of jobs that are under threat across the West Midlands due to the Tory policy on Europe."

Simon writes "Britain's membership of the EU is allabout jobs and raising living standards for peopleacross the West Midlands. The Conservative Partywant Britain out of Europe. Withdrawal would causejob losses in every part of our region, Over 72,500in Birmingham, 13,000 in Dudley, 28,000 in theCounty of Shropshire, 14,000 in Solihull andMeriden and 17,500 in Wolverhampton. Everyonereading this newsletter will know someonewhose job depends upon Britain's positivemembership of the EU. The Tory policy on Europe is bad for Britain and bad for British jobs.

40% of small businesses across the West Midlands trade with Europe. Our region has received over £9billion of inward investment over the last decade. The message is clear - it is vital that we remain at Europe's heart not at it's throat"