Letters page: Europe needs us

From Mr Roland Rudd

Denis MacShane is right to warn of the dangers of the government overlooking Europe (Observations, 22 May). The hiatus in plans for a constitution and the unlikely prospect of Britain joining the euro have provided an opportunity for the government to engage, unencumbered by short-term political considerations. With France and Germany in the throes of changing political leadership, and both showing signs of stagnating economically, the UK is uniquely placed to take the lead on Europe.

When one looks at the problems facing the world, it is clear Europe has a role to play. We benefit from co-operating with our European partners, and the scale of acting as one economic and trading bloc.

Roland Rudd
Chairman, Business for New Europe
London EC2