Ian Hills (Letters, July 24), conveniently ignores all the benefits enjoyed by the people of France as part of the EU, in terms of social care, health, education, transport and a foreign policy independent of the all-powerful USA.

Meanwhile, our own leader clings to the coat-tails of President Bush, no doubt with a view to creating his own place in history.

Sadly, this may well lead us down the path of eventual absorption into the USA.

What price on Governor Blair of the 51st state of Britannia standing as Republican presidential candidate in 2012?

-Roger Hudson, Eastbourne