-----It also boils down to individuality, I'm Welsh and I can say that most when asked their natioanlity say Welsh not british, I've even seen some cross out the British segment on the form and over write it with Welsh! There is a famous song (well it is here), titled 'as long as we beat the English' rare granted, but maybe soon.----- As an Englishman, I long for Welsh Independence ;-) ccooke

People should realise that being in the EU ads about £3000 to the average British paycheck. They don't mention that in the Sun much now do they. The EU is largely a force for good. Joining the Euro would make the UK more attractive for forign investment. The constitution streamlines the EU and makes it more efficient. The UK, as a big state will have more influence under the constitution. The UK has already forfitted its veto under Nice for everything but its red-line issues (tax rates, forign policy etc.) Wake up aand smell the coffee, the constitution is good for the UK.

Could you please explain how it would put an extra £3000 on my pay check? Gordon Brown today announced how “foolish” it would be if businesses owners were up increase the average salary, as this would have negative effects on Britain’s economic growth. So you would say, that with a mortgage, not being able to control your interests rates is a good thing? Have you not seen what this has done to Germany? I love to know how well an interest rate running at the same level of Poland would be “good for Britain”.

The extra economic activity generated by Britain being in the EU adds about £3000 to the paycheck of each worker. The extra economic activity generated by being part of the euro would offset the limitations caused by having a common interest rate. Germany's problems are structural in nature and don't have much to do with the euro. There are 2 ways to control an economy: Monetary and fiscal. Sensible fiscal policy is the better way to control an economy because the effect they have is imediate. On the other hand interest rate changes take about 12 months to take effect. The central bank has to predict what the situation will be like in a year, a hard thing to do. You will find that interest rates are out of synch with what they should be most of the time anyhow. Your mortgage repayment would be lower if you were in the Euro-zone cos our interest rates are lower so i don't know what your moaning about.

By the way. Britain as one of the largest economies in the EU would have a major affect on what interest rates are decided. The problem of being out of synch with the rest is a problem for small states like ireland but we're not complaining.

The first thing we would do is open up the mines and start making you pay for that water!

There is no such thing as an English army.

Unless you count the football fans!

I am a little surprised by your list. Are you sure Arditi that Germany is ranked above both UK and France. Also, is India really ranked above Russia!!

Yeah, if you minus the nuke factor India is got the manpower and economy to back her army up.