Yeh but the thing is Doug - politics in France are a great deal more extreme than over here.

Whereas the the USAF has bases with nuclear weapons in this country. When they went to bomb Gaddafi - France wouldn't even let the planes that set off from England use French airspace. We are a lot more right wing than France - our right wing does get elected. But their right wing is less significant and scary - they're like National Front almost fascist party. Very nationalistic. They don't really expect to get elected.

Our right wing has two parts to it - both contained in the Tory party and both for the most part - respectful of the democratic process (which figures because they are quite popular and DO get elected). There is an anti European old guard and a radical right. Its an odd mixture - you never know exactly where you are with them.

They stand for tax breaks and lots of perks for the stinking rich and everything else is pretty much negotiable.

Both main English parties are strong believers in shadowing and supporting American foreign policy.