Ted Heath has bowed out of parliament with a clear warning to William Hague on Europe.

The speaker had allowed the longest serving MP to make his final speech to the House on Wednesday following a lacklustre PMQs between Tony Blair and William Hague.

He backed moves to join the single currency, a move which put him at odds with William Hague.

"The United Kingdom has always been a European country," Heath said. "The British people are going to be asked to vote on whether to join the single currency. I look forward to campaigning vigorously for a 'yes' vote."

Heath added defiantly: "I have absolutely no doubt that a united Europe is here to stay."

Reflecting on his 51-years as the member for Old Bexley and Sidcup he delivered a parting shot to his old rival, Baroness Thatcher.

"I spent my first 25 years on the front bench," he began. "After that I spent the next 25 years on the front bench - below the gangway."

Heath also criticised the falling importance of parliament saying he was "saddened by the increasing impotence of the House and the declining esteem in which it is held".