Mandelson warns Byers on euro

The former Northern Ireland Secretary, Peter Mandelson, said on 17 May 2002 that a referendum in the UK on euro membership could be held within three months of a positive assessment of the five economic tests with no need for advance legislation. His remarks contradict those of Stephen Byers, the Transport Secretary, who suggested on 16 May 2002 that the government would find a slot in the Autumn 2002 Queen's Speech for a referendum bill.