1.   Abandoning the pound is a controversial issue in euroskeptic Britain.

2.   Another big problem was party divisions over the single European currency, with so-called Euroskeptics, including Lilley, fiercely opposed to Britain abandoning the pound.

3.   Because of the emotional nature of talk about abandoning the pound, he tried to steer clear of comments about the euro during the election campaign.

4.   Both the Conservatives and Labor are split over Europe and both have promised referendums on whether Britain should abandon the pound for the euro.

5.   Blair has also promised a referendum before abandoning the pound.

6.   Hain said a public vote was guaranteed to favor joining the euro and the pound could be abandoned within two and a half years of the referendum.

7.   Hain said a public vote was guaranteed to favor joining the euro, and the pound could be abandoned within two and a half years of the referendum.

8.   He, too, says Britain will stay in the negotiations and hold a referendum before any decision to abandon the pound.

9.   Polls indicate that Labor will win national elections next spring and be in power when Britain has to decide whether to abandon the pound and join the euro.

10.   Polls indicate the Labor will win national elections next spring and be in power when Britain has to decide whether to abandon the pound and join the euro.