TONY NICHOLSON seems to be under the impression that leaving the EU means cutting off all contact with the continent of Europe (D&S Times, Apr 14).

He may have had a sense of excitement when we were taken into what was then called “the Common Market” by Edward Heath, arguably the worst Prime Minister since Lord North.

Mr Heath took us in under the Royal Prerogative – no debate in Parliament and no referendum. For others, like myself, it was the great betrayal.

It has taken 45 years for this country to throw off the shackles of the undemocratic, bureaucratic, corrupt EU and regain control of our borders, our laws and our money.

We will be able to spend our money as we wish, whether on regional aid, resurrection of our fishing industry and support for agriculture, in the manner that suits us, not in a one-size-fits-all diktat from Brussels.

If the EU is such a wonderful institution and the euro such a success, why are there three million Europeans living here? Have they come for the weather or because there are no jobs on the Continent?

We will have friendly arrangements with our neighbours in Europe and renew our relationship with our true friends in the commonwealth.

Mr Nicholson needs to accept the fact that we are coming out and look forward with confidence to the future.

RM Robinson, Sutton, nr York