Title: What are the arguments for and against joining the Euro - History Learning Site
Headings: What are the arguments for and against joining the Euro
What are the arguments for and against joining the Euro
These are some of the arguments put forward for Britain joining the Euro
These are some of the arguments put forward against Britain joining the Euro

Content: A European central bank will focus on economic conditions across the community and so will have a less volatile interest rate policy than the Bank of England, or other central banks. The credibility that attaches to the monetary policy of a European-wide central bank will render the Euro a strong currency and thus permit lower interest rates than at present within the UK – investment and growth are obvious beneficial consequences. The prospect of sustained low-inflation under the responsibility of an independent European Central Bank should reduce long-term interest rates and stimulate sustained economic growth and competitiveness. The UK has a successful flexible labour market that would be highly effective inside a single currency area. Though the EMU might restrain independent fiscal policy, it will not totally remove the opportunity. Since around 20% of UK transactions are already dominated in US dollars, the demise of sterling will not produce totally unfamiliar circumstances. A common currency removes a significant barrier to free competition across national borders. A single currency promotes price-transparency – customers can readily assess the relative prices of similar products from anywhere within the union. The large Euro zone will integrate the national financial markets, leading to higher efficiency in the allocation of capital in Europe. The UK will benefit from an increase in intra-European trade flows and higher capital investment resulting from the development of a single currency.