by Andy Gray

A Kent MP's reaction to the current financial crisis engulfing the EU is a simple: "I told you so."

Gordon Henderson, a staunch euro-sceptic, says that rather than unite member states, the long-term effects of the economic downturn – which has virtually bankrupted Greece and hit Italy, Ireland, Spain and Portugal hard – will see a more divided Europe.

As Greece battles to stay in the single currency, Mr Henderson (pictured), the MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey, said: "The euro is doomed in its present form, but then it was always doomed.

"Unless countries have the same fiscal and monetary policies, either the euro will disappear or the members of the Eurozone will form a closer political association.

"This association will exclude members in Europe outside the zone, including Britain."

Italy's burgeoning debt has added to a grim outlook.

Mr Henderson says that whatever happens, the euro must not be allowed to collapse as the reverberations could be felt as far as Sheppey.

With Danish company Vestas proposing to invest million of pounds on bringing a wind turbine plant to the Island, he said it was important weaker countries weren't allowed to bring the whole house down.

He said: "The Eurozone has got to be resolved one way or another and I expect a resolution will be found in the next couple of weeks.

"Either France and Germany will have to agree to bankroll the weaker members or one or two countries will have to remove themselves from the Eurozone.

"Who knows what will happen if one goes and there’s a sudden knock-on effect?

"Eventually, I think we’ll see a break-up of the EU with one part of Europe moving towards even closer political policies and another part on the sidelines."