What Chirac has acknowledged by this move is that he is unpopular with the French people because they believe he does not represent them. He seems to believe that he can regain the applause of the French people if he goes after 'the old enemy' and that he can be their hero again.

It's complete hipocrisy on his behalf to accuse the British of being unwilling to compromise on their contributions to Europe, while at the same time refusing to renegotiate the Common Agricultural Policy. Britain would not want the rebate if the CAP were abolished. Also, who are the French to demand Britain increase their contribution? The British have an annual net donation to the EU twice as large as the French.

Unfortunately, I fear more European nations are likely to side with France on this one rather than Britain, especially with Britain's reputation as being a bad member. If ever you needed an example of why the national veto must remain, this is it.