In 1975 the UK voted to remain in the European Economic Community, ignoring the misgivings of those, such as Tony Benn and Enoch Powell, who warned that the plan was for a political union.

Just 12 years later, the United Kingdom was signed up to the Treaty of Union, without further consultation of the electorate, who would have to wait for a further 29 years before being asked if they wished to remain in a larger number of states, involved in ever increased union.

This was after two further treaties to bring this about had been signed on their behalf. Extricating us from this entanglement of financial and political stitch-up without damaging consequences is like extracting and restoring an egg from an omelette.

Negotiating reasonable trading terms with Eurocrats will probably be impossible. Their political ambition for a United States of Europe far outweighs any consideration for the economic interests of their businesses. So it is unrealistic to expect any mutually advantageous trading arrangement without unacceptable conditions.

The sacrifice of European traders will be seen as essential to maintain the discipline of the Union and, whilst they may wish for a sensible outcome, it is their political masters, not the traders of Europe, who are in control.

We live in “interesting times”!

BILL WHITE

Weymouth