euro debate/economic issues

[Scott]

I hope this doesn't cause a blazing row or anything but, as an 
American I'm curious as to whether you Brits are pro- or anti-the 
Euro replacing the pound. (If this is too political a discussion I 
understand, someone censor me and apologies to all.)  Friends of 
mine in England have generally said that they favour keeping the 
Pound...I guess it's got something to do with national pride, and 
well-- the economy.  

As I understand it, and economic issues are confusing to me so I'm 
probably wrong, the pound is more valuable than the US dollar, 
because it takes more £s to equal $1.  The exchange rate is 
currently $1= £.602 and £1= 1.41973 Euro so...the Euro and USD are 
closer in value, but still less valuable than the GBP (£).  

If the UK joins the Euro currency would they be in effect weakening 
there monetary value in the international community? Or (and because 
I don't think that last sentence is stated correctly perhaps this 
makes more sense) are they likely to help strengthen the Euro by 
their addition, and thus make it more compatible to the USD ($). Is 
that the point, and if it is is it not better for the EU than for 
the UK specifically. Is that the issue?

Sorry if this seems inappropriate or an incorrect forum, but 
newsites can be confusing, and I thought it might be more helpful to 
get the opinions of average citizens (if any HP fan is considered 
average).

Scott

P.S. I wonder how this reflects on wizarding currency, if at all, 
and whether the Galleon (as I've always assumed it is the mainstay 
of the currency and that Sickles and Knuts are mere subdivisions) is 
a British thing, or if it is the universally recognized wizard 
monetary unit?