The Conservatives have attacked the government for playing "word games" over the euro.

As speculation continues over the weekend as to just what Gordon Brown will tell MPs in his statement on the euro on Monday, Michael Howard claimed the government's two most powerful figures were putting private battles before national interest.

"This weekend Labour will continue to play word games over the euro. Whatever the final fudged deal, it's clear that Britain's national interest is coming a poor second to Labour's internal battles," the shadow chancellor said.

"It is fundamental to Britain's national economic interest for business to have a clear decision on the euro - yet, judging by government briefing, that is the one thing we will not have."

Brown, however, has said the government's decision on the euro will reflect Britain's national economic interest.

The Cabinet met to discuss the euro issue on Thursday afternoon, amid speculation that up to four of the five tests have been failed.

Speaking in Downing Street after the discussions, the chancellor said that there had been a "wide-ranging, detailed and comprehensive discussion".

"It will be the national economic interest that will be the determining factor, and we are all resolved that nothing must be done will put the stability of the British economy at risk. Indeed, we want to entrench that stability for the long term for Britain," he said.

The Treasury's 18 background studies will be published on Monday morning at 9.00am, with the detailed assessments published immediately after the chancellor has concluded his statement to MPs.

"We are now in a position to announce our decision to the House of Commons on Monday and I look forward to the debate in the country that will follow it," Brown added.