EU commissioner Chris Patten has mounted an outspoken attack on the prime minister for failing to stand up to Gordon Brown over the euro.

The former Conservative Cabinet minister warns Tony Blair that he is damaging himself by helping George W Bush rather than promoting his own vision.

Meanwhile Lord Simon, the former trade minister and adviser to the prime minister, has called for a "road map" to joining the single currency.

Interviewed in today's Telegraph, the former BP chairman says: "This is a very serious moment of decision. If they just say we have not passed the tests - not yet and we can't tell you when - I would say that they are increasing the risks for our economy.

"It is very dangerous. I know companies that are looking at investment decisions now and if they do not get a positive decision they will not invest in this country."