Blog: As the European leaders try to thrash out an agreement to solve the Greek debt crisis, and the looming Italian and Spanish debt crises, there is a clear role for Britain.

And that is to hang on tightly to the national wallet.

However, as we know from experience, that is not how things turn out with our membership of the European Union.

Any sense of relief that Britain did not throw in its lot with the euro is misplaced. In this European club there is a sense that the strong should help the weak.

Yet it is Germany which is being lined up as the financial cavalry rushing to the aid of Greece. Germany is a powerhouse which is enjoying levels of growth that Britain can only dream of.

In the subtle changes to the balance of power which are going to flow from today’s summit, Germany is going to emerge with yet more influence.

In contrast, politicians used to talk about Britain having a role in the heart of Europe, and yet David Cameron has found himself involved in a spat with the French who more or less tried to tell him that Eurozone matters were none of Britain’s business.

But as one of the major financial contributors to the whole European project, all that goes on is very much Britain’s business.

And you can be sure that directly, or indirectly, Britain will feel the financial effects.

That is just another reason why Parliament let down the people when it voted against the proposal to let voters have their say through a referendum.

With that, the grim reality is that we will now have to put our trust in the European politicians as they strive to sort out the euro mess.

Yes, things are that bad.

By Toby Neal