Blair optimistic on euro

British Prime Minister Tony Blair has told cabinet colleagues "that he remains enthusiastic" about the possibility of calling a referendum next year on adopting the euro as the UK currency, the Financial Times reported today.

Blair still insists the UK must pass the five economic tests on euro entry set by Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown, before a referendum can be held, but he has told cabinet colleagues he remains focused on the idea of calling a vote in 2003, the newspaper said.