Sir, – Pride, nationality and bullying are the themes of the letter from Ruth Robinson (D&S, November 28).

We agree on the propriety of loving our country and its traditions. But these are elements of patriotism and not the nationalism that I fear will destroy both the UK and Europe.

While we are focused on immigration and the EU the very fabric of the great Union of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland (Act of Settlement 1701) are shaken to the core by nationalism. "Better Together" just rallied enough patriots in time to hold Britain together, but now English nationalists are seeking to react by drawing new boundaries between us.

While UKIP rails against the dangers of EU Federalism, Britain is in danger of sliding into a federation of "proud nations'" We are a Union, we are "Better Together" if we wish to face the global problems of climate change, migration of populations, global health crisis, terrorism and global financial crisis.

As the respected economist Will Hutton wrote this weekend, we need "to marshal what remains of British power together with others to create international architecture that forces common responses to common problems – and not retreat into 'an imagined utopian past' ".

On bullying it is worth noting that Britain freely entered the EU knowing the rules. Bullying is one party forcing others to act against their wills.

All of our 28 partner governments have noted that if there is a bully in Europe; it is currently Britain. Our UKIP MPs rarely turn up and when they do they mock officials and procedures, making non-negotiable demands.

Then our PM turns up, red faced, blustering, threatening, with no allies or supporters, demanding unilateral Treaty changes that are unacceptable to all other members, "or else".

Britain is currently being made to look less like a proud country and more a petulant child to its neighbours and friends. If the southern Shire elites continue to bully the periphery regions (like Yorkshire) with discriminatory budget cuts, and more powers are devolved – the break up of Britain as a sovereign state will become a fact. What then of our Proud Nation?

The real patriots need to come to the defence of our United Kingdom, Britain and its Union with Europe, and halt further implosion. It's time to make a stand for the country we love.

Dr JOHN R GIBBINS

Sowerby, Thirsk .