Opinion: From out Readers - Tories blinded by hatred of Europe

recognises the public would turn against it if it turned its back on
Europe.

So to be elected leader, David Cameron gave away his international
influence. Rather than be an important part of the leading centre-right
group in the European Parliament, he decided to be sidekick to some
homophobic and anti-Semitic Latvians, consequently souring his
relationship with Europe's leading centre-right figure, Chancellor
Angela Merkel of Germany.

Now Tony Blair's name is being touted for the role of President of the
European Council. The two-and-a-half-year appointment was envisaged to
provide greater leadership and direction than the six-month rotating
presidency, which gave no-one time to achieve much.

Despite Blair having the backing of the right-wing leaders in Europe,
his obvious stature, and even the likelihood that he would work closely
with a Conservative government, Cameron still cannot bring himself to
back the British candidate.

Britain's influence in the world is less important than this hatred of
Europe, and William Hague's diplomatic campaign against Blair has amazed
other European leaders, who would be delighted to have a compatriot in
the role.

The Lisbon Treaty itself means more powers to the elected European
Parliament, more voting by population (which benefits Britain), more
powers for national parliaments to reject measures, and, for the first
time, the power for a nation to leave the EU. If the Tories wanted to
improve the EU, they would back Lisbon and then use their influence to
promote the next reforming treaty. But their psychosis won't let
them.

- Alex Hilton is a Labour parliamentary candidate and founder of
political blogs Labourhome and Recess Monkey.