A referendum on joining the euro could be held before the completion of reforms designed to allow the UK to pass the five economic tests, Tony Blair has suggested.

Speaking in Japan at the weekend, the prime minister sought to keep up the pressure on chancellor Gordon Brown, reports the FT.

"We are not looking for completion of the impact of reforms in all areas before recommending entry and neither are we keen to reduce the hurdles to one of a mere 'balance of probabilities'," Blair said.