The UK and the Eurozone

Abstract: The article reviews the case for the UK to join the Eurozone by way of presenting a review of HM Treasury’s widely well-regarded ‘‘Euro Report’’ (2003). The review provides an
opportunity to rehearse and update the elements of optimum currency area (OCA) theory. In particular, the study draws attention to fresh estimates of the trade effect of the UK’s adhesion to the Eurozone, the small size of which sharply contrasts with earlier estimates. They substantially remove a challenge to the Report’s negative conclusion. The study sets the review in the perspective of public opinion surveys and HM Government’s decisions.