Missing the point?

The PM was apparently upset by some Kremlin official being reported as saying that Britain is "just a small island that nobody pays attention to".  So he went to some length to list Britain's achievements over the centuries.  But so what, is the obvious response - nobody is denying what Britain has done in the past - even though the PM did at times rather over-egg the pudding.  The question is, what clout do we have in the world today?  And you have to admit, the answer is - not much.   I think we are still seen by some as a sort of "elder statesman" whose views should be listened to politely even if then ignored.  But let's be clear - we are no longer one of the big boys.