A typically robust speech from Romano Prodi calling on Tony Blair to show "courage" on the euro has prompted an angry response from eurosceptics.

The European Commission president questioned the special relationship between the US and UK, urging Britain to play a greater role in the EU.

Shadow foreign secretary Michael Ancram described Prodi's views as "totally incredible".

Prodi also took Tony Blair to task for faintheartedness over the single currency.

"Deep down it is a matter of deciding where one's future lies. It is a matter of political will and courage," he said.

A poll by ICM for Business for Sterling found that 41 per cent of those interviewed approved of chancellor Gordon Brown replacing Tony Blair in Number 10 and keeping the pound, compared to 35 per cent preferring Blair and the European single currency.