OUR MP Steve Baker is keen to publicise the fact that he supported the recent veto at the EU Summit in Brussels. There are others who are going around declaring this a great ‘triumph’ for Britain. I think our MP is being extremely short-sighted.

As we would have a veto on any tax-raising powers from Brussels anyway, it was probably just a publicity stunt aimed to raise the profile of the Government in wanting to appear tough. Is he oblivious to the effects of being voted down in effect 26 to 1?

This has caused major irritation with our partners, at a time when we are all on the verge of recession.

If the Government is genuine in its declared concern about the crisis in European economies, they have a funny way of showing it. Europe is this country’s natural market, with almost half our exports. We are now in danger of our business not having any political support in Europe.

True that we have a trade deficit with the EU, but the loss of one trading partner would matter less to them than us losing nearly half our natural market.

It is futile trying to base ourselves on countries with the political clout of Norway.

Ultimately, we have to engage with the countries that matter and they are in the Eurozone.

Geography dictates that these same countries will be our neighbours next year and in 100 years time. The German government has been remarkably conciliatory in recent days, but I don’t know how many repeats they would want. A number of the smaller countries look to the UK as a counterweight to France and Germany. However, if both those countries abandon us, there’s no real way back. All they are looking for is a constructive and collegial approach from the UK government. The bombastic ‘bulldog’ negotiating style may work in certain arenas, but will only get you so far in Europe.

It is regrettable that after all the constructive work Ray Whitney achieved in this constituency, we now have an MP that seems ready to help press the self-destruct button.

Alex Wilson, White Close, High Wycombe