Confused thinking over our key trade partners in Europe

THE voices of those who would have us retain membership of the EU become increasingly shrill. Recently in Business Post (Yorkshire Post, October 10) I read the opinions of Blackfriar and the Business Editor added to those of senior politicians like Nick Clegg (Yorkshire Post, October 9) that our withdrawal from the single market would be disastrous.

Of course, it would be disastrous! Europe would protect itself from British exports of Austins, Morrises and Rovers etc., and our retaliation in kind would bring to a halt the endless procession of European luxury cars on our roads – a nightmare scenario.

Fortunately nobody is advocating a withdrawal from the single market, and the claim that in some way our European trade partners would force this upon us if we decide to leave the political shambles that is the EU, is disingenuous.

If they really believe that our subservience to the Brussels bureaucracy is essential to our well-being, they should fight their corner on that basis and cease trying to confuse the issue with that of a common market, an EFTA, or a European Economic Community any of which would retain the benefits to all of the “single market”.

From: Don Burslam, Elm Road, Dewsbury Moor, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire.

I ACCEPT Colin Challen’s invitation to explain what is happening in the economy (Yorkshire Post, October 3).

He seems to have a rather simplistic view, surprising perhaps in someone who used to be an MP. Economic indicators are essentially dynamic and what matters is not a snapshot but the direction of travel.

Even several independent analysts agree that most of the indicators are positive. Unemployment in most regions is down, a huge number of jobs have been created in the private sector, exports are up, the deficit has been cut by a third, and so 
on.

Blackspots remain which those who are looking for them can highlight but in view of the car crash in the economy for which Labour was largely responsible, it is hardly surprising that Nirvana cannot yet be glimpsed over the horizon.

I am no Tory apologist but let’s try to give an accurate picture of the situation.

Labour do not deserve to return to office until they have carried out a full review of their policies and outlook.

Even with a new leader, I am not sure they can effect the necessary change.

From: Hilary Andrews, Nursery Lane, Leeds.

DAVID Cameron’s policy of “earn or learn” will no doubt give rise to much debate.

Would the re-introduction of compulsory National Service (still in force in some European countries) help the situation?

It would provide discipline, training, help with stemming the growth of terrorism and perhaps stop immigrants from thinking us a soft touch if they have to serve the country when they come here.

My two brothers served in the RAF and it certainly turned them from unruly boys into responsible men.