Oh dear these pie in the sky comments from B Dash (Letters, February 19) truly amaze me.

I don’t know where you get your information sir but I would suggest you are not reading the same figures as the rest of us.

In case you are unaware we are the sixth largest economy in the world, and the second largest economy on the European continent (after Germany). We are also the second largest exporter of services in the world and we are the world’s No 1 finance centre.

The good result of the 21st century’s digital communication evolution is there is no real need for the UK to be in any political union with our geographic neighbours. As such of course we understand fully the centrepiece of any country’s trade policy must be membership of the WTO (World Trade Organisation).

It governs our trade relations with all other WTO members including those in the EU, but as it is we are being rendered impotent and voiceless within the dictatorial confines of the EU with so little influence (a mere eight per cent).

In a nutshell the consequence of our EU membership is that the UK is absolutely not permitted to enter into a trade agreement of any kind.

We are shackled by the regulations of a foreign country, some of which are having devastating effects on our way of life.

MOLLY BENNETT, Bursledon.