The pro-euro campaign is digging-in for the long haul amid reports a referendum will be delayed by domestic affairs.

The director of Britain in Europe, Simon Buckby, said the Hutton Inquiry would further delay a referendum on Europe but the pro-euro camp would remain active.

He said: "Britain in Europe was prepared to fight an imminent referendum.

"It is now important for us to restructure and ensure we have a secure financial base and a new strategy that allows us to go into the medium and long-term to fight a referendum when it is finally called."

Mr Buckby was not sure when a referendum would be held but said Britain in Europe would be ready.

He said: "We know the Government will make an assessment of its tests before March.

"If that is negative then of course there will not be a referendum in this Parliament and that means Britain in Europe has to face the possibility that we have to fight a campaign into the next Parliament."

Responding to accusations that he is likely to resign, Mr Buckby said he had yet to make a decision about his own future.

Wednesday August 27, 2003