Speaking to a French aunt on the telephone, she was so concerned for my safety she offered for me to stay with her in Normandy.

In France, they see Britain as being disease ridden (BSE, foot-and-mouth, swine fever), corrupt (political scandal), incompetent (rail crashes, road chaos, the countryside closed down) and dangerous (violent crime on the increase, terrorism).

If this is how we are seen in France, think how we must be seen in the rest of Europe, the US and beyond.

A few years ago, we were able to stand proud again in the world but, after one term of a Labour government, I fear there is much to blame Mr Blair for.

For my own and our country's reputation, call the election quickly and if Mr Blair pulls it off again, I may call my aunt back to see whether the offer still stands.

-Miss Mary Saunders, Ditchling Road, Brighton