THE ELECTION is over: long live the referendum! It is time for the United Kingdom to look to the future, resolve to be a strong force in the shaping of the European Union, and join the single currency. I hope the campaign will begin sooner rather than later and I will be pushing for a 'Yes' vote.

Opinion polls confirm that the British know less about the EU than the people of any other member state. The Eurosceptics have taken advantage of this ignorance to spread myths and tell lies, and I hope the campaign ahead will help change this. For my part I will do my best to participate in as many local debates about the issue as I can.

Adoption of the Euro will complete the creation of a huge market, increase competition, reduce prices, raise productivity, assist the control of inflation, and stimulate growth. A common currency will give our battered manufacturers the chance to compete on a level playing field with their European competitors.

The Euro is now the world's second largest currency, and decisions taken by the 12 countries within the Eurozone are already affecting us. I want the British Chancellor sitting at the table of European finance ministers when the Euro is discussed, and I want the Governor of the Bank of England, or his equivalent, to help shape the policy of the European Central Bank.

I admit that there are economic arguments against joining the Euro and I do not dismiss these. I simply believe that they are outweighed by the arguments in favour of joining. I also say that politicians who pretend that membership will not involve a further sharing of our sovereignty are misleading people. It does mean this, and I believe that it is a price well worth paying.

All the major political parties believe that Britain's place is within the EU. Groups campaigning in the election for withdrawal attracted a derisory one per cent of votes. I say it is time to stop messing around at the edges, take advantage of the trading zone being created and ensure that Britain has a strong place at the heart of Europe.

Chris Davies, Lib Dem MEP in N-West.