Latest Brown-Blair claims 'untrue'

Downing Street today denied claims that Tony Blair ordered Gordon Brown to "consider his position" after a row over the single currency.

The Prime Minister was alleged to have made the remark after a heated debate in April 2003, in which he tried to persuade the Chancellor to soften his opposition to Britain joining the euro.

There are also fresh claims revealed today Mr Blair offered to stand down if Mr Brown backed the euro. According to a book, Brown's Britain, the Prime Minister dispatched John Prescott, Transport Secretary Alistair Darling and Clare Short, then International Development Secretary, in an attempt to win Mr Brown's support.

The book says the Chancellor rejected the "trade-off " over dinner, reportedly telling Mr Blair: "History would never forgive us for having that conversation."

No10 denied the remarks. "As far as the PM is concerned they are untrue," said a spokesman.