The EU has condemned Rik Mayall's appearance as a Hitler impersonator in a cinema advert that urges Britons to reject the euro.
|
The advert has prompted criticism from several British legislators and a Jewish leader.
It briefly shows the comedian dressed as Hitler.
He shouts "Ein volk, ein Reich, ein euro" - a reference to the Nazi slogan: Ein volk, ein Reich, ein Fuehrer" or One people, one empire, one leader.
"The use of Adolf Hitler in this campaign is in appalling bad taste," said EU spokesman Mr Jean-Christophe Filori.
He added that the advert was "insulting" and "panders to xenophobia."
Britain, along with Denmark and Sweden, decided to keep their national currencies when the 12 other EU nations introduced euro notes and coins on January 1st.
The British government says it favours adopting the single currency in principle, but only when economic factors benefit Britain.
Opinion polls show most Britons prefer to keep the pound.
PA