Vale of York MP Anne McIntosh has emerged as the most multi-lingual MP in Britain.
Her fluency in five European languages is impressive. Conversely, only one of Tony Blair's Cabinet, Jack Cunningham, can speak a second European language.
This emerged on the day that trading in the euro began, with Britain watching on the sidelines. Once again, our suspicion towards the rest of Europe is dominating the political agenda.
Is it any coincidence that our multi-lingual neighbours seem better able to work together? Until we can speak their languages, our position on the fringe of Europe is assured.
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