On Stephen Wall's ''Is Britain a European nation?''

Sir,

As a deeply anglophile Frenchman born to an English mother, I have strongly pro-European views. And speaking from a purely European perspective, I can agree with many of Sir Stephen Wall’s observations about Britain in Europe. The UK does indeed display more pragmatism than enthusiasm about its membership of the European Union. But it also has “no choice but to be European.” Membership of the EU was – and still is – the country’s sole means of retaining a strong presence on the international scene, both from an economic and a political point of view. The British are no more insular than they aspire to be.

It is also true that Britain is a conscientious European partner that has supported the single market, economic reform and the enlargement of the Union. And Europe needs the British, particularly when it comes to building on the French presidency’s ambitions for a greater European role in defence. France and Great Britain are both true European military powers.

It is undeniable, too, that Europe was built from “the top down” according to the desires of politicians who believed in an “increasingly close union between European peoples.” The ordinary citizen is hardly ever involved with its construction. I am very conscious that this is one reason why most people in Europe – not just the British – do not find themselves drawn to the European idea. Most Britons think of Europe as a Leviathan, a monster that will consume their national character and sovereignty piece by piece. It is too regulatory, too protective and it crushes entrepreneurial freedom. Yet the French decry its excessive liberalism!

Recent events prove, however, that Europe is a good thing. Confronted by the Russo-Georgian war and the global financial crisis (where the UK has made major contributions to its resolution) the EU has become a tool for peace, stability and security. These are the sort of events which I believe may change people’s mentalities and do much to subdue anti-European lies and jeers. Europe can once more wear its badge of honour with pride.

To win the hearts and minds of ordinary people, Europhiles need to promote the advantages of being part of Europe, and clarify any confusions there may be over national and EU jurisdictions in economic and social matters. It is incumbent upon national parliamentarians like myself to accomplish this task. We must also defend the progress achieved in the Lisbon Treaty, which of course the UK has already ratified. This treaty does not grant more powers to Europe. On the contrary, it gives parliamentary representatives a greater role in European democracy. Eurosceptic arguments do not work here: our control over European institutions is increasing.

I think that the British people have a greater desire to be part of Europe than many observers would like to believe. But they are not sufficiently well informed about the day-to-day benefits that Europe gives them. They need to hear from us how good things really are so they can “truly fall in love” with Europe.