IT’S always good to get supportive emails and my inbox has been full of nice messages from residents about the EU negotiations on Friday. David Cameron has certainly earned his rations in defence of the national interest.

It is in our national interest for the countries with the euro to fix their problems. But we said we could only agree a new treaty if certain modest and reasonable safeguards were obtained. For example, we could not sign up to anything which would damage the financial services sector, since the UK relies disproportionately on it.

France and Germany blocked those safeguards. A treaty within a treaty without safeguards wasn’t right for Britain, so the Prime Minister said no and exercised the veto, meaning the Eurozone will now have to do its own thing.

In terms of fixing the problems of the Euro, progress has been made and we wish the eurozone well. It is in our interests it succeeds, but without us in it. While there were disagreements in the discussions, people understand each others’ national interests, some more than others. But at the end of the day, the Prime Minister’s judgement was that what was on offer was not good enough for Britain, so better to have the eurozone in a treaty on its own.

Some suggest our refusal to accede to the Franco-German demands somehow isolates Britain. That’s risible since, as a major European economy, clearly the UK must always be involved. In any case, what’s the point of being around the table for its own sake? If all you do is roll over and have your tummy tickled each time France and Germany and our weaker brethren in southern Europe take a step towards ever closer union, it’s hardly worth the cost of your Eurostar ticket.

In the spirit of austerity my Christmas card list has taken a severe haircut this year. Judging by the number of greetings I’ve received, either I’ve become markedly less popular, worrying for a politician, or others have taken a similar view. Either way, may I wish everyone a Happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.