Ken Clarke was at loggerheads with David Cameron yesterday after taking a “never say never” stance over Britain joining the troubled euro. Mr Cameron has vowed there is no prospect of Britain even considering joining the single currency. But former Chancellor Mr Clarke left the door open, saying only that Britain would not be in the eurozone “for the foreseeable future’’. Pressed in a TV interview yesterday to agree that growing integration between eurozone members meant Britain would never join, Justice Secretary Mr Clarke said: “Certainly nothing is going to happen in the next decade but I find ‘never say never’ in politics is a very good rule.’’

Ken was one of those who long argued the UK should join the Eurozone. Thankfully his view did not prevail. But the very fact that he will not state that the UK will not join the Eurozone even at this moment tells you all you need to know about Mr Clarke. Naturally he is also remembered as the Justice Minister who sought to ensure convicts got out even earlier than they already do. A sopping liberal, a Conservative in name only – WHY is he in the government???