I HAVE been saddened, though not altogether surprised, to read that a recent EU poll shows Britain once again bottom of the class for foreign languages.

With the holiday season upon us, it is disheartening to read that only 17 per cent of Britons speak French while only three per cent are familiar with Spanish.

Learning just a few words and phrases of the native language really does make a holiday run smoother and does wonders for improving the Brits' reputation abroad it can turn us all into ambassadors for a nation that often receives a bad press abroad.

Having knowledge of another language is also good for business.

At a time when more than half of the South East's exports go to the continent, a degree of proficiency in German, French, Italian or Spanish can make the difference between clinching yet another deal or losing out to a more sophisticated European rival.

As this year has been designated European Year of Languages, I sincerely hope that yet another bumper year of people taking their holidays abroad will encourage more people to learn other languages.

For some suggestions on how to do that, please don't hesitate to contact my office on (020) 7227 4319 or email: chuhneoffice@cix.co.uk.

Chris Huhne

Liberal Democrat MEP