RE stories suggesting Tony Blair must break his silence over whether he wants to become the first European President.

Perhaps we should be focusing more on the underlying issue – whether that role will have real power and British support.

There’s a clear choice – to engage with the idea of a European President, or to run away from it, like the Tories.

Let’s leave on one side for a moment whether you like, or don’t like, Mr Blair in that role.

And let’s suppose that our Continental partners – as seems wholly likely – support its creation, and cede real power.

Now, look forward a few years: Britain is standing outside and looking on, yet again “semi-detached”, while US President Barack Obama negotiates with the European President and the Chinese President. If you think that sounds far-fetched, read some economics – the Chinese economy will dwarf the US by 2050.

I know what I’d prefer, and I know what a future David Cameron government would do if elected. We’ve glimpsed his narrow vision of Europe, through his deal with some nasty Czech right-wing populists. Let’s show an open, balanced vision of our own, and see this role as an opportunity – not a threat.

Rob Marchant, contender in the Darlington Labour parliamentary candidate selection process.