I am very happy to reassure William Brown (May 12) that I have no regrets about voting for the UK to stay in the EU, and indeed I would be delighted if we were to re-join immediately.

This is not because the EU is Utopia; it is because it is painfully clear that leaving the EU has added considerably to the economic, social and political woes which this country is currently enduring.

Our small country needs all the allies it can find in this dangerous and unpredictable world.

Mr Brown claims that previous Labour governments have left the country ‘almost bankrupt’.

This false narrative ignores the fact that Labour governments have always spent money to benefit the whole population and improve our lives, rather than to line the pockets of the ultra-wealthy, as Conservative governments do.

I am pleased that Bill Dowding agrees with me that the best remedy for the Channel issue is to arrange safe and legal methods for refugees to enter the UK; and we both agree that immigrants have enhanced the life of our country throughout history.

Where I disagree with him is that I would much rather have a government of idealists than the cynical and clueless cabal of Conservatives who currently control the country.

David Martin

Bridge Street, Witham