WELL after six months: record highs on FTSE 100, employment and investment.

This despite warnings of the dire consequences from the Bank of England, the International Monetary Fund, the Treasury, the President of the USA, the OECD, Jean-Claude Junker, the Prime Minister and the New Forest.

Did the Remain campaign really think they could threaten us into submission with Project Fear?

As the £9.3 million brochure, delivered to every household, making the case for remaining in the EU gave a clear statement: “This is your decision. The Government will implement what you decide.”

Now as 2017 draws near trade deals are the key to a prosperous future.

Although media coverage has so far focused on our relations with the 27 remaining EU states, it’s the 165 non-EU states that account for almost all the world’s economic growth. Britain will never have a better opportunity for deal-making.

The EU is a club that celebrates the power of big leagues: big business, big government and big bureaucracy.

Without their meddling we can set the agenda that suits our needs.

No need to be part of a high-speed rail network or paying for failing economies in Italy or Greece.

Here’s wishing all readers a happy and prosperous and EU free 2017.

Dave Christian, Southampton.