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		Repercussions of the French No vote Daily Telegraph - Thursday 2nd June 2005 Sir Many commentators have noted the apparent paradox that the French voted Non because they thought the EU constitution too Anglo-Saxon and neo-liberal, while many in the UK oppose it as too statist and socialist (News, June 1). Some have noted that Britain and France agree at a deeper level: both want the right to set social and employment policy in their own countries, through their own democratic institutions, to suit their own customs and aspirations. Tony Blair faces a tough EU presidency next month. He is determined, rightly, to press for economic liberalisation, at the very time that French voters have resoundingly rejected it. Surely the message is crystal clear. We welcome trade and cooperation in Europe, but powers in other areas must be returned to member states to set their own priorities. Economic cooperation? Yes. Political union? Non. Yours faithfully Roger Helmer MEP (Con, E Midlands) Lutterworth, Lincs