But they are in the Eurovision Song Contest though

Probably true, Britain's world standing really pivots on its influence. Brexit will reduce that, as we'll no longer be part of the EU and EU trade block, or able to exert influence.

Dependent on the outcome of leaving the EU, and how the EU fares without the UK (and in the coming years) will either see the UK's influence rise or fall.

A lot of the UK's world standing is due to the Special Relationship, and the UK's position as often the voice of reason in the US ear. The current president, isn't really a listen to the voices of reason kind of guy.

But we still have a significant capacity for influence due to our presence on the UN Security Council. However recent actions of unilaterialism (Iraq) pretty much rendered that obsolete. The US, Russia and China really don't have much regard for that now.

"One Nation Under God, has turned into One Nation Under the Influence of One Drug"
[Link]

This is getting ridiculous m'lud.

We have now sunk to a depth at which the restatement of the obvious is the first duty of intelligent men. [Orwell]

As others have said, doesn't matter... unless influence translates into trade.

People will buy our goods and services based on a whole range of criteria. However, where influence and global clout counts is government contracts where politics is the dominating factor. And that counts most in the sale of military and "security produce".

I know, I know but there are so many jobs dependent on exports in these areas. I would rather we were exporting tulips and love beads instead of jet fighters to autocratic regimes; but until we can replace those industries with "nice" ones we are in a jam.

There is also the small fact that if we are an important influence abroad [as we apparently still are in the Middle East... yup, I'm as surprised as you by that] we can have a degree of control over how those nasty dictators use our weapons. And for those saying, yeah I can see how that's working, just imagine what would happen if there was a reduction in pressure from us and other "interfering" countries? Indeed, I imagine there is a school of thought that the escalation in the Iran [Shia] v Saudi [Sunni] proxy war around that region is partly fed by British and US withdrawal into introspection.

Which leads to the next point. For those who are saying they are happy for us to stop meddling in foreign affairs, that is all well and good so long as this does not lead to greater international instability. This would negatively impact on trade and this country's prosperity. Obviously, it would also be appalling for those poor people stuck in the middle of it; but the posts on this site indicate that people are far less concerned by that.

Finally, if you are still giving aid in an insecure world, without influence we are less sure that said aid is gong to go to the desired destination. It is difficult enough now while we are seeking to police those payments.

These are judges aren't they? As such, shouldn't they be above any petty national interest?

In other words, if the judges are of good standing and unbiased, it should not make a blind bit of difference where they hold citizenship.

Jamie it has to work both ways,if I didnt know better I would think you are picking on certain posters.

Its getting closevto bullying mate....surely has to be through the board.

always a Norwood boy, where ever I live.