The strategy also spares campaign groups the risk of becoming associated with a single, potentially unsuccessful, political party. Pro-euro campaigners in the Labour camp are reported, in 'Operation Flyover', to have guaranteed silence over the currency for fear of damaging the party's voter appeal. Not that it is just politicians who are split over the issue. Key Britain in Europe members Lord Marshall, chairman, BA Adair Turner, vice chairman, Merrill Lynch Niall Fitzgerald, chairman, Unilever Sir Martin Sorrell, chief executive, WPP Lord Haskins, chairman, Northern Foods Business groups such as the Confederation of British Industry and British Chambers of Commerce blame divisions among executives for a failure themselves to take a lead on the euro. The Institute of Directors, meanwhile, revealed a less eager spirit among captains of industry.
Businesses are concerned with red tape, taxation, regulation.
Bolt from the blue Monday's letter to The Times, which was signed by a former Conservative minister besides Mr Gent, was, in terms of surprise as well as politics, a bolt from the blue. Signatories of Monday's letter Anthony Nelson, former minister, vice-chairman of Citigroup Michael Bishop, chairman, British Midland Chris Gent, chief executive, Vodafone Nicholas Brookes, chief executive, Spirent Nick Scheele, president, Ford Europe Christopher Tugendhat, chairman, Abbey National Martin Broughton, chairman, BAT All signed as individuals It may not have received the publicity the signatories would have liked. But it is significant in that it represents the opening salvo of a battle to come. We have been working non-stop since we were launched. The great British euro debate will not end - whoever enters Downing Street after the election.