I CAN well imagine that a prisoner nearing the end of a long stretch would feel some degree of anxiety concerning his release.

For years the warders have told him when to get up, when to eat, when to exercise, when to work and when to go to bed.

It is understandable that under the circumstances he should feel some concern at the prospect of having to make all these decisions for himself but it is nevertheless rare indeed for a prisoner to refuse to leave his cell when the day of release arrives.

It is therefore more than a little disturbing that so many members of Parliament are reluctant to break the tie with the European Union.

As most members of Parliament are, one would hope, more intelligent and better educated than the average felon they should feel confident in their ability to do the job for which they were elected without constant instruction from their masters in Brussels.

Perhaps these people are not really cut out for the job.

Mike Howard, Address supplied