Can Britain forge looser ties to Europe without losing influence?

Charles Grant, director of the CER, says that already "British influence in Brussels is at its lowest level in the 25 years I have been following the EU." ..."I think Britain still could have clout in more limited areas if it keeps friends and allies," Mr Grant said. "But the fact that we are not, for example, so engaged in justice and home affairs weakens our bargaining power across policy areas and weakens the career prospects of British officials." Mr Grant added, "There has been a steady diminution in the last few years, which you could plot on a graph: the more you distance yourself the less influence you have."